Staff Attorney/Legal Researcher and Writer

Salary: $70,000-$74,000

Organization Overview: 

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A (BKA) advances social and economic justice and community empowerment through neighborhood-based legal representation and advocacy. Representing low- and moderate-income individuals and families throughout New York City in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods, BKA provides high-quality, low-barrier neighborhood-based legal services to individuals, families, non-profits and small business owners who are interested in remaining in their neighborhoods and sustaining vibrant, healthy communities.

Position Summary:

The Staff Attorney/Legal Researcher and Writer will be responsible for researching and writing briefs, motions, client discovery and litigation support. They will perform research, case analysis, and other writing work related to non-payment holdover, HP, 7A, and other proceedings in housing court. Working both with staff attorneys and minimally with clients, they will support the preparation, of documents necessary in the general course of litigation. They will also research and write collateral documents relating to the program’s housing work for broader communications and advocacy work.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and prepare written pleadings, motions, briefs and legal memoranda to support litigation and appeals;
• Prepare letters, complete forms, and request documents as requested;
• Perform intake, and provide written advice, and brief services to potential clients;
• Research and produce written collateral on program’s housing work for broader communications and advocacy work; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, the candidate must have:

• Admission to the bar of the State of New York or eligible for admission;
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in New York civil and/or Federal, or other relevant public interest litigation; housing law preferable; and
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with clients in the nonprofit sector, low-income communities, community organizations and/or coalitions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, local organizations and people in desperate crisis;
• Demonstrated ability to interact with client/tenants of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Excellent legal research and writing skills in English, bi-lingual Spanish preferred;
• Ability to draft legal documents in high volume environment;
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation, to manage a high work load, track case data, meet deadlines, and to be flexible;
• Computer proficiency sufficient to independently review and generate legal briefs/writings;
• Attend meetings and perform administrative tasks related to the work, such as timekeeping and case notes; 
• Basic knowledge of New York City and State housing laws and rules; and
• Thorough commitment to Brooklyn A’s mission.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary $70,000-$74,000 dependent on years of experience. Benefits highlights - 27 days vacation; employer paid health, dental and vision insurance; employer contribution to 401(k); and paid parental leave.

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A values an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our mission, our employees, and our communities. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, a survivor of domestic violence status, or marital status.