Senior Staff Attorney Req 4396

Job Description

Job Description

Organization Overview :

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger Bronx community. In all aspects of our work, BronxWorks strives for the highest ethical and performance standards. We are guided by the belief that people must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their present situation or past experiences. We have over 65 locations throughout the Bronx providing a variety of programs that assist in the areas of family, children and youth support, educational services, senior services, homelessness, financial empowerment, and workforce development, among others. With over 50 years of experience supporting Bronx communities, we are an employer of choice for anyone interested in a meaningful career in the social services field

BronxWorks Legal Services – Tenant Defense Program :

The BronxWorks model aims to break the cycle of poverty by mobilizing the organization’s extensive resources to apply a holistic and progressive approach, helping individuals and families transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. A crucial component of this continuum of support is BronxWorks Legal Services, which provides free legal assistance to those seeking immigration stability, facing eviction, and surviving domestic violence and other crimes. Within BronxWorks Legal Services, the Tenant Defense Program plays a vital role in securing housing stability by representing low-income tenants in eviction proceedings and advocating for essential public benefits to preserve affordable housing. The program supports New York City’s groundbreaking Universal Access to Counsel initiative, which ensures low-income tenants the right to full legal representation in eviction proceedings.

Senior Staff Attorney Opportunity

The Tenant Defense Senior Staff Attorney role is designed to provide professional development opportunities for attorneys with at least three years of experience, who are still building toward supervisory roles and includes a salary increase above the staff attorney scale. In addition to handling casework and meeting other staff attorney responsibilities, the Senior Attorney will work closely with a supervising attorney to mentor junior staff and law graduates. This includes accompanying law graduates to court, signing stipulations, pleadings, and motions on their behalf, and offering guidance on case strategy, legal research, and court filings. Moreover, the Senior Attorney will support the professional growth of less experienced staff through mentorship and training and provide constructive feedback. They will also assist in leading legal team meetings, CLE trainings, and strategic planning sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal representation to tenants referred to BronxWorks through the Universal Access to Counsel initiative and other referral sources.
• Litigate in various forums including housing court, appellate courts, and administrative tribunals, including NYCHA tenancy termination proceedings and housing benefits hearings.
• Provide full legal representation, including : counsel clients on all available legal defenses and strategies, regularly communicate with clients to ensure they are informed on all pertinent information about their case, negotiate with outside counsel, engage in motion practice, present oral arguments at hearings and court conferences, conduct discovery and depositions, prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings and trials, and advocate with government agencies and external providers on clients’ behalf.
• Develop and apply expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits to secure the best possible client outcomes.
• Participate in court-based intake processes and conduct intakes.
• Engage in client and community outreach and education initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff and law graduates, accompanying them to court and providing guidance on legal strategies.
• Assist in leading legal team meetings, CLE trainings, and strategic planning sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications & Plus Factors

Physical Requirements

Equal Employment Opportunity

BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff, and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact hrbenefits@bronxworks.org.