Senior Staff Attorney, Community Law

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 a seasoned Senior Staff Attorney with domestic violence and/or family law experience to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence who seek assistance with family offense, custody/visitation, and child/spousal support proceedings, as well as matrimonial matters. The attorney will also conduct community legal clinics, outreach and training and will collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The Senior Staff Attorney will provide leadership and expertise within a team of family law attorneys, and will mentor and supervise junior staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers. The attorney will work out of the Manhattan Office and will report to the Center’s Senior Deputy Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents survivors of gender based violence in all 5 boroughs, in family offense, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and matrimonial matters.
• Staffs the Legal Helpline with the Project’s other attorneys and project assistants.
• Develops and conducts outreach to underserved communities.
• Trains law students, pro bono attorneys, social service providers, health care professionals, and community based organizations on gender based violence and the legal needs of survivors. 
• Co-counsels cases with project, Legal Center and probono attorneys;
• Advocates directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, District Attorney’s Office, Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS);
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other policy and advocacy committees outside the agency.
• Recruits and supervises pro bono attorneys on all aspects of litigation in family law matters.
• Supervises and mentors junior legal staff, volunteer attorneys and interns, and project assistants. Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
• Partners with the Director of Pro Bono Program in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys;
• Builds relationships/partnerships with law firms, law schools, and other agencies to increase visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal and gender based violence communities.
• Participates in interagency conferences and legal/bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono representation, family law, and gender based violence.
• Maintains accurate and updated records of current and potential clients in the agency’s electronic database;
• 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
•  Fluency in a community language other than English is a  plus
•  Ability to handle all aspects of complex family law matters
•  Ability to work independently
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence

Budgeted Salary:  $82,000 - $96,500 per year 

Work position is Full-time, Salaried/ Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must meet job location schedule obligation

Benefits:

•     Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
•     Employer-paid life insurance 
•     Employer retirement contribution
•     Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
•     Generous Leave Policy
•     Flexible spending account / Health savings account
•     Student loan assistance
•     Tuition reimbursement program
•     Gym reimbursement program  
•     Wellness program and rewards

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws. Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ , and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues. In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.

Salary : $82,000 - $96,500