Senior Staff Attorney, Family Law

Description

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 experienced attorney to provide legal  representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic and gender-based  violence in family law matters in Staten Island. The areas of focus are  primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and  divorce. The Senior Staff Attorney will also provide  civil legal screenings and legal consultations, assist pro se clients by  drafting family law petitions and other filings, assist with pro se  clinics, conduct community outreach and education, provide technical  assistance to NYC Family Justice Center (FJC) partner agencies, and  collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The  Senior Staff Attorney will provide leadership and expertise within a  family law team, and will mentor and supervise project assistants, staff  attorneys, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers. The attorney  will work out of the Staten Island Family Justice Center and will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director. 

POSITION DETAILS: 

Budgeted Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year 

Work position is Full-time; Salaried/ Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family  law litigation, including complex family offense, custody and  visitation, child and spousal support and divorces. Provides other  advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective  systems
• Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients regarding family law matters
• Supervises  and/or mentors project assistants, volunteers and interns on all  aspects of client contact, litigation support, case management, and/or  project development
• Supervises and mentors staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys in active family law litigation
• Collaborates with FJC family law projects across the five FJC’s, and assists with screening and case coverage as needed
• Facilitates  clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers  provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients
• Provides technical assistance to FJC partner agencies
• Develops and conducts community outreach, training and education
• Builds  relationships/partnerships with law firms, law schools, and other  agencies to increase visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal  and domestic violence communities
• Actively engages in advocacy committees and task forces, and collaborates with other agencies to advocate for systemic change
• Attends  and participates in interagency conferences and legal/ bar association  committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro  bono, domestic violence, and legal remedies for victims of domestic  violence
• 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
• Experience working in the domestic violence field
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence
• Ability to work independently
• Highly  motivated to provide zealous, knowledgeable, culturally competent, and  empathic legal advocacy to domestic violence survivors
• Ability to work well with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
• Fluency in a community language other than English a plus

 Benefits:

•     Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
•     Employer-paid life insurance 
•     Employer retirement contribution
•     Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
•     Generous Leave Policy
•     Flexible spending account / Health savings account
•     Student loan assistance
•     Tuition reimbursement program
•     Gym reimbursement program  
•     Wellness program and rewards

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.