Staff Attorney, Family Law Project

Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary for Families seeks an attorney to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence in family law matters in Manhattan. The areas of focus are primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and divorce. The Staff Attorney will also provide civil legal screenings and legal consultations, assist pro se clients by drafting family law petitions and other filings, assist with pro se clinics, conduct community outreach and education, provide technical assistance to Family Justice Center (FJC) partner agencies, and collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center in Manhattan. The attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Legal Project Director of the Family Law Project at the Manhattan FJC.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and divorces. Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems.
• Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients regarding family law matters.
• Maintains a caseload of approximately 20 - 30 active clients per month and approximately 40 – 60 active cases.
• Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys;  supports training of junior staff members. 
• Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
• Provides technical assistance to FJC partner agencies.
• Conducts community outreach, training and education.
• Actively engages in advocacy committees and task forces, and collaborates with other agencies to advocate for systemic change.
• Attends and participates in interagency conferences and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono, domestic violence, and legal remedies for victims of domestic violence.
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor. 

Requirements

• J.D. Degree 
• Admission to the New York State Bar * may consider a stellar Law Grad who has passed the NYS Bar exam
• Up to 4 years of relevant legal experience
• Strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills 
• Experience working in the domestic violence field preferred
• Highly motivated to provide zealous, knowledgeable, culturally competent, and empathic legal advocacy to domestic violence survivors
• Ability to work well with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
• Fluency in a community language other than English is a  plus

Budgeted Salary: $78,000 - $90,556; Based on experience,  pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining  agreement

                              *$72,903 - $75,112 annually for Law Graduates; pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

This position Full-time; (35hr/wk) Salaried/Exempt

Work Schedule is currently Hybrid; may vary based on job site; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits:

•     Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
•     Employer-paid life insurance 
•     Employer retirement contribution
•     Paid time off
•     Flex spending account 
•     Student loan assistance
•     Tuition reimbursement program
•     Gym reimbursement program  
•     Employee Assistance Program
•     Wellness Program and rewards

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex,