Staff Attorney, LEAP

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will further LEAP’s 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 cases and all facets of the eviction defense and/or prevention process. The Staff Attorney will value diverse populations, experiences, and backgrounds. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

· 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

· Identify systemic problems that affect clients’ housing rights and address the challenges through affirmative litigation

· Other related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

· Excellent legal research and writing skills

· Possess and exhibit excellent litigation skills i.e. through pleadings, orders to show cause, motions to dismiss, defending and demanding depositions, oral arguments, and trial and/or appellate experience

· Knowledge of Public Benefits/Entitlements highly preferred

· Excellent interpersonal communication skills

· Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage and maintain a high caseload

· Ability to work independently, and collaboratively as a team

· Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, and meet critical deadlines

· Ability to analyze situations and use sound judgment

· Ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals

· Ability to anticipate next steps, troubleshoot, and problem-solve

· Possess a high degree of professional ethics, integrity, and work ethic

· Bilingual Fluent/Proficient Speaker highly preferred

· Computer proficiency sufficient to undertake legal research and draft legal documents

· Commitment to RiseBoro’s mission, vision, and values

· Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities

· Demonstrated commitment to supporting the work that affects communities that have experienced systemic oppression and bias (i.e., people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· A minimum of 1 year of related experience; 2-3 years of related experience preferred

· Juris Doctor degree and Admission to New York State Bar required

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.