Staff Attorney

About POTS

Part of the Solution (POTS) offers an array of comprehensive and personalized services to fight poverty and hunger in The Bronx, at no cost to clients. Annually, POTS serves more than 35,000 people, including 12,000 children. Our services are organized around three programmatic pillars: a Dignity and Wellness Program provides shower, mail, haircut and medical and dental services; a Food Security Program offers hot meals and groceries; and a Long-Term Stability Program provides guidance on applications for public benefits and mentoring for long-term personal growth.

About the position

The Staff Attorney will provide legal and general advocacy services for POTS clients along with the Next-Step Services team of attorneys, social workers, case managers, and interns. S/he/they will participate directly in regular intake and evaluation of client needs, advocacy on behalf of clients in housing and public benefits, and make appropriate referrals to clients with additional needs.

• Housing Law: Provide advice, counsel, and direct representation to clients in civil proceedings primarily in NYC Housing Court and in administrative proceedings. In conjunction with this work, conduct informal advocacy with city agencies and private charitable organizations to obtain rent arrears assistance in non-payment proceedings.
• Public Benefits Law: Advocate for POTS’ clients to access NYC Public Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid. In some cases, represent clients at administrative hearings and in other appeals processes.
• General Legal Advice and Referrals: Work in collaboration with POTS’ case managers, other staff members, and volunteers to address the needs of the whole person. Connect POTS’ clients to various outside providers for cases/issues that cannot be handled directly at POTS.

Required Skills

• Committed to POTS’ vision of moving clients from crisis to stability and, ultimately, sufficiency
• JD and admission to the practice of law in New York State. Candidates awaiting admission, or who will take the NYS Bar Exam no later than July 30, 2025, may be considered.
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good judgment and excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail
• Hard-working and results-oriented with the ability to work on a team

Preferred

• Experience in representation of tenants in NYC Housing Court, strongly preferred
• Professional proficiency in Spanish, strongly preferred
• Experience with legal issues pertaining to Section 8, and public housing
• Experience with public assistance, SNAP, and other public benefit legal issues