Staff Attorney, Housing Group Advocacy (Citywide) chez The Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Housing Group Advocacy Project in neighborhood offices across the boroughs. The Housing Group Advocacy Project is an anti-displacement and tenant protection project focusing on supporting New York City communities facing rapid gentrification in the five boroughs of New York City.

The Staff Attorney will work with tenant associations, community-based organizations, government officials, and pro bono attorneys to help stabilize client communities by preventing the harassment and displacement of tenants, assisting tenants obtain repairs and essential services, and otherwise enforce and expand tenant rights. The Staff Attorney may be required to work in more than one community or borough depending on changing client needs and priorities; is required to handle tenant and community group representation, bring affirmative litigation to enforce tenant or housing rights; work with community or housing organizers; and conduct regular intake  at community-based organizations, Housing Court,  or other  designated sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent clients in city, state and federal court proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation
• Provide representation and advocacy with local, state, and federal agencies
• Provide training, community outreach and education to individuals, local community-based organizations, and housing advocates including during evenings and weekends
• Provide assistance and/or representation to tenants looking to form low-income, limited-equity HDFC coops, land trusts, or mutual housing associations
• Provide corporate governance assistance and/or representation to low-income limited-equity HDFC coops, land trusts, and/or mutual housing associations
• Conduct policy advocacy on behalf of clients
• Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations
• Assist in organizing, expanding, and maintaining tenant associations, block associations, resident groups, and other housing groups
• Represent the Civil Practice and The Legal Aid Society in the community
• Promote the work of the office, the Housing Law Practice, and the Civil Practice
• Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations
• Conduct off-site intake, meetings, Know Your Rights sessions, and other community events during evening and weekend hours
• Other duties as assigned