HOUSING ATTORNEY
Long Island, NY - Full Time, Exempt position
Empire Justice Center, a statewide not-for-profit law firm, is looking for a dynamic attorney with a background in housing law and a commitment to the representation of low-income and immigrant tenants on Long Island, NY. Empire Justice Center’s systems change approach focuses on combining direct representation with high-impact litigation and advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected organization in improving housing policy and stability with a focus on getting to the root causes of racial and economic justice while providing direct services to those with the greatest need.
Empire Justice Center hires dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates to make a significant impact on the lives of New Yorkers. We achieve our successes through a combination of direct legal representation and high-impact litigation and policy work. We also provide training and technical assistance to other advocates working towards the same goals.
With offices in Rochester, Albany, Westchester County, and Long Island, our organization offers staff an exciting and dynamic working environment and a strong commitment to teamwork, diversity, and personal/professional development.
Primary Responsibilities for the Senior Housing Attorney:
The attorney’s primary responsibility will be the representation of tenants in eviction proceedings in housing courts in either Nassau and western Suffolk or eastern Suffolk Counties. The attorney will work closely with a paralegal and the Housing Team to expedite client intake and case development. Most of our clients are immigrant tenants whose cases often need rapid responses.
The attorney will be expected to collaborate actively with the advocates and attorneys from partnering organizations who are assisting these tenants to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to find other resources to preserve their housing. The attorney will also work with the Long Island team to identify and assist with related legal needs that these clients may have, including immigration issues, services for crime victims, access to public benefits, and civil rights in housing and language access.
The position may include impact litigation that would address the systemic problems of the lack of affordable housing, discrimination, and/or failure to provide safe and healthy living conditions.
Required Qualifications:
- A J.D. and a minimum of 2-3 years as a practicing attorney, including direct client representation experience
- Admission to the New York State Bar
- Demonstrated ability to successfully litigate cases individually or in teams
- Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication
- Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and treating clients with consideration and respect
- Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with housing law and tenant representation
- Experience working with low-income families and communities
- Proficiency in Spanish
Salary and Benefits:
The top salary for this role is up to $85,500. Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the organization’s salary scale. Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, vacation, holiday, and sick time. We are an organization that supports and encourages a work/life balance.
Empire Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and desires a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, the elderly, people of color, people with disabilities, and people in the LGBTQ+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY:
This position is available immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three e professional references to: employment@empirejustice.org
Please include, Housing Attorney, Long Island First/Last Name to the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies, please. Incomplete applications will not be considered. |
