Job Description
Housing Staff Attorney
The Urban Justice Center’s Safety Net Project (SNP) provides direct legal and social services in the areas of public benefits access, homelessness, and tenant rights. SNP also engages in policy advocacy and community organizing led by impacted community members. SNP is one of NYC’s Right to Counsel providers representing tenants facing eviction and is also active in various grassroots organizing campaigns fighting for systemic change.
We are seeking housing staff attorneys who are looking for a creative and non-traditional environment, working with passionate and dedicated advocates in the fight against gentrification, displacement, and racist housing systems.
Primary Responsibilities
- Represent tenants in eviction proceedings, including non-payment and holdover cases, affirmative litigation, NYCHA administrative proceedings, group litigation including rent strikes in partnership with tenant organizers, and appeals.
- Conduct legal intake at Right to Counsel intake days at Bronx Housing Court.
- Staff outreach clinics, provide Know Your Rights education, and attend tenants’ association meetings, including during evening hours from time to time.
- Working across disciplines by collaborating with other attorneys, advocates, organizers, and social workers to assess and address client needs.
Qualifications
- Admitted to practice in New York or eligible for admission
- Excellent litigation skills, including research, strategy development, analysis, writing, and oral advocacy.
- Aptitude for tenacious advocacy and a demonstrated commitment to client-centered lawyering.
- Commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work, including the fight for racial justice and housing justice.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Spanish proficiency or a commitment to learn Spanish is strongly preferred.