Staff Attorney, Harlem Community Tenant Defense

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice has experienced and entry-level Staff Attorney positions available in the Harlem Community Tenant Defense unit. The Tenant Defense unit handles a broad range of individual and group tenant representation at the trial and appellate levels, including holdovers, nonpayment proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation in state and federal courts. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Client representation and advocacy with city, state, and federal agencies and in court proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation
• Conduct regular courthouse-based and off-site intake, including during evening hours
• Represent and promote the work of the office, the Civil Practice, and The Legal Aid Society in the community
• Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals, local community-based organizations, and housing advocates
• Engage in policy advocacy including advocacy before legislative, administrative, and judicial bodies to advance the interests of clients
• Work collaboratively with other organizations, pro bono lawyers, and partners
• Maintain a full caseload of clients
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Admission to New York State Bar or eligible for immediate waiver
• Excellent written, analytical, organizational and oral advocacy skills
• Demonstrated commitment and interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, and manage a high volume of cases

 

Preferred qualifications:  

• Experience in landlord tenant law preferred
• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. 

  

Salary Range: $84,000 - $152,500

  

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits. 

  

Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness 

The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.  

studentaid.gov