Staff Attorney, Community Law Project (CLP)

The Staff Attorney for the Community Law Project at Sanctuary for Families provides culturally competent legal representation and advocacy for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in family law matters across NYC. The role includes conducting community legal clinics, outreach, training, and collaborating with other agencies to support systemic change. Candidates must be admitted to the NY Bar with experience in domestic violence or family law and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills.

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 Community Law Project (CLP) seeks an attorney with domestic violence and/or family law experience to provide comprehensive, culturally competent legal services 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 attorney will work out of the Manhattan Office and will report to the Center’s Sr. Deputy Director and Sr. Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and divorces in all five boroughs of NYC. Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems;
• Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients in family law matters;
• Conducts legal clinics at community based organizations;
• Staffs the Legal Helpline; 
• Co-counsels cases with project, Legal Center and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members.Advocates directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, prosecutors, Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS);
• Conducts community based outreach and training;
• Works with Sanctuary’s Community and Outreach Training Initiative (SCOTI) to coordinate, organize and participate in outreach and training events;
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.
• Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys.
• Directs cases to the appropriate resources within the agency and the Legal Center;
• Tracks the status of cases referred internally and externally;
• Fosters and maintains relationships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that refer clients to the Helpline;
• Partners with the Pro Bono Project in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys;
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the Sr. Legal Director and Sr. Deputy Director.

• J.D. and admitted to NY Bar;
• One to two years of relevant work experience;
• Fluency in a community language including Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, Haitian-Creole, Spanish and Russian preferred but not required;
• Ability to work with diverse populations;
• Sensitivity to sexual exploitation, domestic violence and other gender-related issues;
• Ability to multitask and prioritize;
• Strong ability to work independently;
• Excellent problem-solving skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office

Budgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement.

Work position is Full-time; Salary/Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; 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 (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

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. 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.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

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