Managing Attorney - Housing Practice Manager

The Urban Justice Center’s Safety Net Project (SNP) provides direct legal and social services in the areas of public benefits access, homelessness, and tenant rights. SNP also engages in policy advocacy and community organizing led by directly impacted community members, the Safety Net Activists. SNP is one of NYC’s Right to Counsel providers representing tenants facing eviction in the Bronx and is also active in various tenant organizing campaigns. We are seeking applicants for our Housing Unit’s Practice Manager/Managing Attorney position.

SNP’s Practice Manager/Managing Attorney works with SNP’s Housing Director to develop, implement and oversee SNP’s systems for practice management, intake, grants and contract compliance, and data management. The Practice Manager/Managing Attorney also supervises a small group of SNP’s non-attorney housing staff who conduct legal intakes and work on housing benefits advocacy. This is a role that could be performed by an attorney, or a non-attorney and the title would be adjusted accordingly. An attorney in this role could maintain a small docket of housing cases depending on need and interest.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee all stages of the case assignment process and create the monthly schedule for SNP’s various housing clinics and Right to Counsel intake.
• Manage SNP’s practice systems and protocols, including developing and implementing new policies as needed.
• Ensure staff use best practices to manage their caseloads, including effective use of the Legal Server database and completion of administrative documents.
• Work with the other housing managers to implement and maintain a calendar of Continuing Legal Education training events.
• Train and onboard new staff and interns on all topics related to SNP’s practice management.
• Supervising a team of non-attorney intake specialists and housing benefits advocates.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in legal practice as an attorney or in a practice administration/coordination role, or 6 years' experience in another legal practice role. Experience developing practice systems and protocols is preferred.
• Attorneys applying to this role should be admitted or eligible for admission to the New York State bar.
• Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
• A commitment to supporting, training, and mentoring housing staff members.
• Sound strategic judgment and the drive to originate and implement practice improvements.
• Familiarity with or interest in movement lawyering approaches to civil legal services work.
• Strong anti-oppression and social justice approach, including a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and housing justice, and experience working with diverse communities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Spanish proficiency is preferred.