Staff Attorneys, Housing Law Practice (immediate hire)

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, we have challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 600 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

LSNYC employees have numerous opportunities for growth and professional development, including access to our internal Justice Learning Center, which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer. Further, LSNYC prides itself on its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) efforts and aims to create a work environment where everyone can bring their full selves to the work.

ABOUT LSNYC'S HOUSING PRACTICE

LSNYC seeks staff attorneys to join our Right to Counsel (RTC) program and work in our neighborhood-based offices representing tenants in eviction defense and other proceedings, as part of our work to implement New York City's groundbreaking Right to Counsel law. 

The Right to Counsel law was passed in 2017 after a successful tenant-led campaign by tenant organizers, advocacy groups and legal services organizations. The law provides income-eligible tenants who are sued for eviction in housing court with the right to an attorney to defend their case.

LSNYC's housing practice represents low-income tenants in many different settings, including defending tenants in eviction proceedings in housing court, representing tenants in administrative hearings, bringing affirmative litigation, and handling appeals at all levels.

The work of RTC Housing Unit attorneys will involve developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits. The attorneys will be expected to perform community outreach and provide legal information, advice, and counsel, both in clinical and informal settings. The attorneys will also be expected to perform trainings for other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups. We are looking for candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice. Learn more about LSNYC's housing practice here.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants referred to LSNYC through the right to counsel initiative in NYC housing courts, and through other referral sources.
• Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction, and in affirmative cases challenging agencies and actors who threaten New York City residents' ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
• Developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
• Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
• Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
• Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation. 
• Providing trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.

Qualifications:

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission (or seeking admission) to practice law in the State of New York.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
• Excellent advocacy, analytic, writing, and leadership skills.
• Strong time management and organization skills including the ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced caseload generated by a “right to counsel” intake where clients may have a legal entitlement to representation.
• Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy, preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or a language other than English that is frequently used by our clients is preferred.

Salary Range (based on years of experience):

• 1-10 years: $74,881 -$98,355 
• 11-20 years: $100,605 - $118,773  
• 21+ years: $ 124,254 - $135,637 

NOTE: LSNYC is committed to paying competitive non-profit salaries. This salary range posted reflects the collective bargaining agreement entered into in 2021. Salaries are expected to increase effective July 1, 2024 once the new contract, currently in negotiations, becomes finalized.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 40, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.