Senior Staff Attorney, Family Law Project, Sifjc

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 comprehensive 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 11 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary for Families seeks a seasoned attorney to provide legal representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in Family Law matters in Staten Island. The focus areas 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 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 mentor and supervise project assistants, junior Staff Attorneys, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers. The attorney will work out of the Staten Island Family Justice Center and report to Sanctuary's Staten Island Senior Program Director and Deputy Senior Program Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in Family Law litigation, including complex family offenses, custody and

visitation, child and spousal support, and divorces. Provides other advocacy, including the criminal legal and child protective systems.

Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients regarding Family Law matters.

Maintains a caseload of approximately 20 - 30 active clients per month and about 40 60 active cases.

Supervises and mentors project assistants, volunteers, and interns on all aspects of client contact, litigation support, case

management, and project development.

Supervises and mentors pro bono attorneys in active Family Law litigation.

Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources and administers the 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 the 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 the 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

*salary based on the STEP system

Experience working in the domestic violence field

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a solid motivation to combat gender-based violence

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 is preferred

Budgeted Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 annually

The work position is currently Hybrid; must meet job location schedule obligations.

Policy: Proof of vaccination or proof of 1st dose with scheduled 2nd dose within 30 days is required.

Benefits:

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Employer 403(b) retirement contribution

Paid time off (PTO)

Flex Spending & Health Savings Account

Parking and commuter benefits

Student loan assistance

Tuition reimbursement program

Gym reimbursement program

Employee Assistance Program

And more