Senior Staff Attorney, Community Law

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

Sanctuary for Families seeks a seasoned Senior Staff Attorney with domestic violence and/or family law experience to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence who seek assistance with family offense, custody/visitation, and child/spousal support proceedings, as well as matrimonial matters. The attorney will also conduct community legal clinics, outreach and training and will collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The Senior Staff Attorney will provide leadership and expertise within a team of family law attorneys, and will mentor and supervise junior staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers. The attorney will work in the Community Law project out of the Manhattan Office and will report to the Center’s Senior Deputy Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents survivors of gender based violence in all 5 boroughs, in family offense, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and matrimonial matters.
• Staffs the Legal Helpline with the Project’s other attorneys and project assistants.
• Develops and conducts outreach to underserved communities.
• Trains law students, pro bono attorneys, social service providers, health care professionals, and community based organizations on gender based violence and the legal needs of survivors.
• Co-counsels cases with project, Legal Center and probono attorneys;
• Advocates directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, District Attorney’s Office, Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS);
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other policy and advocacy committees outside the agency.
• Recruits and supervises pro bono attorneys on all aspects of litigation in family law matters.
• Supervises and mentors junior legal staff, volunteer attorneys and interns, and project assistants. Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
• Partners with the Director of Pro Bono Program in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys;
• Builds relationships/partnerships with law firms, law schools, and other agencies to increase visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal and gender based violence communities.
• Participates in interagency conferences and legal/bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono representation, family law, and gender based violence.
• Maintains accurate and updated records of current and potential clients in the agency’s electronic database;
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. and Admission to the New York State Bar
• At least five (5) years of relevant legal experience
• Ability to handle all aspects of complex family law matters
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence