ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney is responsible for furthering LEAP’s mission of providing underserved Brooklyn residents with high-quality, free legal services and assistance designed to preserve safe and affordable housing, and prevent needless homelessness by representing tenants facing illegal or unnecessary evictions, displacement, and tenant harassment. The Staff Attorney will provide clients with legal advice and representation in housing court, including all facets of the eviction defense and/or prevention process. They will value diverse populations, experiences, and backgrounds. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide full-scope legal representation to community residents marginalized by poverty, including propounding and responding to discovery, conducting depositions, pre/post-trial motions, and trials

• Represent tenants in administrative proceedings

• Provide client advocacy with social service organizations, governmental agencies, and other third parties to obtain needed services, and benefits, as necessary

• Input and maintain accurate up-to-date case files and tracking information

• Provide workshops to tenants and community residents on their housing rights

• Attend community meetings and events

• Attend staff and case strategy meetings

• Identify systemic problems that affect clients’ housing rights and address the challenges through affirmative litigation

  COMPETENCIES

• 1-3 years of legal experience preferred

• Strong work ethic, with the ability to organize and manage time efficiently

• Ability to manage diverse activities and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision

• Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with underserved communities

• Ability to anticipate next steps and problem solve

• Display strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic and diverse team

• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills

• Ability to handle and maintain a large caseload

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and opposing counsel

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others as needed

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

• Knowledge of Public Benefits/Entitlements is preferred

  EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor degree or Pending Admission/Admission to the New York State Bar

Qualifications

It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.