Job Description: With a grant from New York state to represent Bronx residents facing housing issues, NYLAG?s Tenants? Rights Unit (?TRU?) has an exciting Coordinating Attorney position available for a talented New York admitted attorney with at least three years of post-graduation legal experience to lead a growing project in the Bronx. This project from the state, which was just renewed for a second year, is flexible and allows us to represent Bronx clients in a broad range of housing-related matters regardless of zip code and with some flexibility on income. The Coordinating Attorney will supervise a paralegal and lay the groundwork for the hopeful expansion of this project a year from now, which may allow further advancement opportunities in TRU. TRU, which has an extremely committed, collegial, and hard-working team of nearly 30 staff attorneys, 10 paralegals, and seven supervisors, is a great place to advance your legal career and the flexibility to represent clients in a broad range of housing matter matters will enable the right candidate to expand their litigation skills. TRU's Successes: TRU attorneys pride themselves on their zealous advocacy and obtaining excellent results for clients, even clients with very challenging cases. A small sampling of our Bronx work over the last year includes commencing an HP Action on behalf of a disabled veteran who had contended with terrible conditions for years, getting a baseless nuisance holdover against a long-term tenant dismissed, and assisting a client with serious health issues to leave her apartment with dignity and transfer to more suitable housing, thereby avoiding litigation in Housing Court. Outside of the Bronx, Crains New York Business recently featured a TRU victory at trial in this article. We also recently prevailed in an appeal at the Appellate Term, reversing a Housing Court judge's decision in a chronic non-payment holdover, which would have resulted in our client losing an affordable apartment that she had lived in for over 36 years. Duties and Responsibilities: - Handle a full caseload of full representation Bronx housing matters in an array of different fora including Bronx Housing Court, Bronx Supreme Court, DHCR, NYCHA, and other administrative venues.
- Coordinate with NYLAG's existing Bronx community partners and Bronx Right to Counsel providers to maintain, expand, and systematize existing client referral pipelines.
- Supervise a paralegal that will provide intake, administrative, and benefits advocacy support.
- Participate in client and community outreach initiatives and engage with state elected officials to demonstrate the value and impact of the project.
Qualifications: Requirements - Admission to New York Bar
- At least one year of experience representing tenants in NYC Housing Court
- Three years of post-graduation legal experience
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and social justice
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
Plus factors - Fluency in Spanish
- Experience representing clients in Bronx Housing Court
How to Apply: Please attach your cover letter and resume as a single PDF and name the file 'Your Last Name, Your First Name TRU Bronx Coordinating Attorney Application.'
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