Staff Attorney (Domestic Violence)

Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct and comprehensive legal services to eligible clients and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors including advice, negotiation, and litigation in family law and matrimonial matters.
• Offers holistic representation in matters related to family law matters, including divorce, custody/visitation, paternity, support violations, family offenses and abuse/neglect proceedings, and other civil matters, including bankruptcy and public benefits, needed to break the cycle of violence. 
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.
• Effectively, efficiently and objectively communicate/interview applicants/clients for services over the phone or in person.
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs and other legal documents.
• Independently manage a caseload.
• Manage data related to grant reporting process.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, bar associations, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses.
• Engage in outreach and education efforts to reach community members, advocates and service providers.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as required.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY regulations, policies and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy, and grant based reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.
• Additional, and/or other related duties and tasks may be negotiated to meet the needs of the agency.

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• New York State (NYS) Bar admission.
• Prior legal services, trial and litigation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving indigent community members and survivors of domestic violence is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Travel is required.

A commitment to professional growth, excellent organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for direct client services and commitment to social justice required. Other qualifying factors include: the nature and extent of prior legal experience, knowledge and understanding of the legal problems and needs of low-income individuals, prior experience in the client community or in other programs to aid the low-income individuals and the ability to communicate effectively and responsibly  with persons in the client community; and cultural similarity with the client community.