Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A (Brooklyn A) seeks an attorney to join its Preserving Affordable Housing Program who will represent low-income tenants in Brooklyn facing eviction in court and before administrative agencies and bringing affirmative litigation. They will handle a full caseload of representation non-payment, holdover, HP, 7A, and harassment proceedings in Housing Court, which involves frequent motion practice, discovery and depositions, communication with clients, negotiations with opposing counsel and advocacy with outside agencies on behalf of clients.
The attorney will also work to stop such pernicious practices in these communities by bringing innovative, affirmative litigation to protect tenants’ rights and their homes; defending tenants in eviction proceedings; representing tenants in administrative proceedings; and providing advice and legal services to help improve conditions in their homes and buildings. They will collaborate with organizers from local community-based organizations and coalitions in order to conduct Know-Your-Rights housing workshops, clinics, and other educational efforts to ensure that tenants are aware of their protections under housing laws.
To be successful in this role, you must have Admission to the bar of the State of New York with a minimum of two years’ experience representing clients and a passion for helping and representing clients in low-income tenant groups, community organizations and/or coalitions. As a valued team member, you will have a client based focus and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The most important competencies for the role are:
- Experience working with clients in the public sector, low-income tenant groups, community organizations and/or coalitions;
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with client/tenants of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment;
- An understanding of the City’s housing market and/or experience in housing law practice;
- Ability to work independently with strong motivation, to manage a high case load, to meet deadlines, and to be flexible;
- Have excellent legal writing, litigation and advocacy skills;
- Computer proficiency sufficient to independently review and generate materials relevant to the position as well as track client information in our database, prepare reports for grantors, attend meetings, and perform administrative tasks related to the work, such as timekeeping and case notes;
- Demonstrated ability to publish articles effectively advocating on behalf of clients and Brooklyn A
- Language proficiency relevant to our clients, especially Spanish; and
- Willingness, desire, and ability to attend evening meetings.
