Senior Staff Attorney (Temporary)

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 experienced part-time temporary attorney to provide legal representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic and gender based  violence in family law matters in the Bronx. The areas of focus are  primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and  divorce. The Senior 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 FJC partner agencies, and collaborate with other agencies  to advocate for systemic change. The Senior Staff Attorney will provide  leadership and expertise within a family law team, and will mentor and  supervise project assistants, junior staff attorneys, pro bono  attorneys, interns, and volunteers. The attorney will work out of the Bronx Family Justice Center location in the Bronx, NY and will report to the  Senior Program Director. This is a part-time temporary position

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family  law litigation, including complex 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.
• Supervises  and/or mentors project assistants, volunteers and interns on all  aspects of client contact, litigation support, case management, and/or  project development.
• Supervises and mentors staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys in active family law litigation.
• Collaborates with FJC family law projects across the five FJC’s, and assists with screening and case coverage as needed.
• 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.
• Develops and conducts community outreach, training and education.
• Builds  relationships/partnerships with law firms, law schools, and other  agencies to increase visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal  and domestic violence communities.
• 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.
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

Requirements

• J.D. and Admission to the New York State Bar
• At least five (5) years of relevant legal experience
• Ability to handle all aspects of complex family law matters
• Experience working in the domestic violence field
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence
• Highly  motivated to provide zealous, trauma-informed, 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 preferred

Budgeted Salary: $32,800 - $38,600 per year; salary is pro- rated based on a standard 14-hour/week standard work schedule

Work position is Part-time (14 hrs/wk) - Temporary 

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits:

•  Sick time (under NYS Sick & Safe Law)
•  Employee Assistance Program (EAP