Staff Attorney (Matrimonial Project)

About the role

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a Staff Attorney for the Matrimonial Project within its Domestic Violence Law Unit (DVLU).

DVLU is an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and paralegals advocating on behalf of survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in New York City. DVLU provides safety planning, advocacy, advice, and representation to survivors in matrimonial and family law matters (including order of protection, custody/visitation, contested divorce, uncontested divorce, child/spousal support proceedings, and related appellate proceedings), and domestic violence-based immigration applications (including VAWA self-petitions, battered spouse waivers, U visa, T visas, adjustment of status, and related applications).

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive safety planning, as well as representation and consultation to survivors of intimate partner violence in legal matters involving divorce, order of protection, custody/visitation, support, and equitable distribution in Supreme and Family Courts throughout New York City, with a focus on Manhattan;
• Provide representation and consultation for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence on related immigration matters for matrimonial clients;
• Conduct legal screenings, clinics, and outreach, including on-site and in community to expand access to services;
• Attend internal staff meetings and meetings with partner agencies, courts, and funders;
• Participate in relevant internal and external coalitions and task forces to advance survivor justice;
• Mentor legal interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys;
• Conduct educational seminars, trainings, and outreach to communities, partners, advocates, law students, and others on domestic violence and/or matrimonial topics;
• Administer administrative duties including updating NYLAG case management systems and maintaining and updating files and case notes, as well as assisting in grant reporting as needed;
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Admission to New York State Bar required;
• 1-3 years of litigation experience required, experience representing clients in family and/or matrimonial law is strongly preferred;
• 1-3 years of experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence is strongly preferred;
• Fluency in a second language is strongly preferred;
• Excellent litigation and advocacy skills required;
• Significant experience working with survivors of trauma, people experiencing poverty, and underserved communities strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of trauma and advancing gender, racial, and social justice;
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and creatively problem solve;
• Excellent written, oral and analytical skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.