Staff Attorney

Job Description:

"All persons newly hired for employment by RiseBoro must provide proof of being fully vaccinated by the first day of employment, except for those who obtain an exception due to medical or religious reasons through the reasonable accommodation process."

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

RiseBoro Legal Empowerment and Assistance Program (LEAP), seeks a Staff Attorney to further LEAPs mission of providing underserved Brooklyn residents with high quality, free legal services and assistance designed to preserve safe and affordable housing, and prevent needless homelessness by representing tenants facing illegal or unnecessary evictions, displacement, and tenant harassment. RiseBoro/LEAP is a uniquely holistic community based housing organization that provides clients with legal advice and representation in housing in all facets of the eviction defense and/or prevention process. The Staff Attorney will value diverse populations, experiences and backgrounds, while emulating the following day-to-day responsibilities:

• Provide full-scope legal representation to community residents marginalized by poverty, including propounding and responding to discovery, conducting depositions, pre/post-trial motions, and trials;
• Represent tenants in administrative proceedings;
• Provide client advocacy with social service organizations, governmental agencies, and other third parties to obtain needed services, and benefits, as necessary
• Input and maintain accurate up-to-date case file and tracking information;
• Provide workshops to tenants and community residents on their housing rights;
• Attend community meetings and events;
• Attend staff and case strategy meetings; and,
• Have the opportunity to identify systemic problems that affect our clients housing rights and address these challenges through affirmative litigation.

COMPETENCIES

• Have strong personal work ethic, and have the ability to organize and manage time efficiently, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with underserved communities
• Have the ability to anticipate what needs to be done next
• Display strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic and diverse team
• Have excellent legal research, writing and communication skills
• 2-4 years of legal experience, with a minimum of 1 year in housing court
• Ability to handle and maintain a large case load
• Knowledge of Public Benefits/Entitlements highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and opposing counsel
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others as needed

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor degree and Admission to New York State Bar

EEO/Affirmative Action Policy Statement

It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.

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