Staff Attorney

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

The Courtroom Advocates Project (CAP) seeks a motivated individual who is committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and dedicated to achieving justice for women.  The CAP Staff Attorney trains and supervises law student advocates who assist domestic violence victims seeking orders of protection in Family Court. The attorney provides comprehensive, compassionate, holistic legal services to victims of gender-based violence through direct representation, community education and outreach, and policy and systems-change advocacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports training of law  students each semester and summer associates each summer who advocate for petitioners seeking orders of protection in Family Court
• Represents victims of  domestic violence in Family and Supreme Court and in the Integrated Domestic Violence Court (IDVC) in cases including: orders of protection, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and matrimonial  matters
• Mentors and trains law students, interns and volunteers
• Advocates for clients in legal and non-legal forums outside of their family law cases, including housing, public benefits, and the criminal justice system
• Conducts recruiting presentations at law firms
• Collaborates with  clinicians, attorneys, and other advocates in and outside of the agency to secure best results for clients
• Collaborates with the  Family Justice Centers
• Effects policy initiatives and systems changes that benefit domestic violence victims
• Participates in the LCADV Working Groups in the Family Court and the Integrated Domestic Violence Court
• Trains law students, pro bono attorneys, community advocates, and others in family law and other related topics
•   Trains law students, pro bono attorneys, social service providers, health care professionals and community-based organizations on domestic violence and the legal needs of victims 
• Maintains statistics  relating to client services for grant-reporting purposes
• Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources; administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients
• Represents the legal center on inter-departmental task forces and committees
• Represents Sanctuary for Families at community events
• Attends trainings on  relevant legal issues
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties  or special projects as directed by supervisor

•  J.D. degree
•  Admission to the NY Bar
•  Comfortable speaking in public
•  Strong verbal/written communication skills
•  Fluency in an additional community language preferred. 
•  Strong writing, research, and analytical skills; strong communication and group leadership skills
•  Experience working with domestic violence, trauma survivors or low-income immigrant clients
•  Sensitive to issues of cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity with strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills, to provide zealous, knowledgeable, and empathic legal advocacy to domestic violence victims
•  Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence
• Ability to multi-task and balance complicated cases
• Ability to work independently and under pressure

 Budgeted Salary: $78,975 - $91,688 per year; commensurate with relevant experience, based on a Step wage scale pursuant to terms of collective bargaining agreement 

Position is Full-time - Standard 35hrs/wk, Salaried - Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to 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

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.