The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice has an opening for a Director of the Housing Practices in both the Bronx and Brooklyn Neighborhood offices. The Director of Housing will report to the Attorney-in-Charge in each borough to meet all grant and funder obligations. The Director will supervise all facets of housing work, including Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, Paralegal Supervisors and Supervising Attorneys. The Director will work collaboratively with the Housing Leadership Group of the Tenants' Rights Citywide Director, the Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit, the Citywide Director of the Housing Help Program and the Grants and Contracts team. Supervising Attorneys and Paralegal Supervisors in all Housing Units in their respective boroughs will report to this Director. The Tenants' Rights Coalition Units will continue to report to the Citywide Director of that practice. This Director will be available for local support and assistance.

The Director is responsible for the running of the neighborhood office Housing Programs in all locations including the courthouses. The Director is involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations, mentors new and experienced supervising attorneys, coordinates grant projects, and participates with other staff in prioritizing legal issues. The Director participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Supervise, train, and mentor the Supervising Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Paralegal Supervisors and Paralegals in their neighborhood offices
* Coordinate intake and representation in their offices 
* Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
* Support the development, funding, implementation and reporting of programs
* Respond to client, community, and staff concerns 
* Evaluate the project's needs and identify necessary resources to address the needs 
* Coordinate database management for the unit 
* Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives 
* Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
* Prepare and submit necessary grant reporting paperwork, and work with the Grants and Contracts department to identity funding opportunities 
* Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
* Foster and encourage teamwork and communication
* Reinforce and maintain staff accountability
* Evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workload
* Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
* Conduct community education, training, and outreach, and promote the work of the office, the Housing Unit, the Civil Practice, and The Legal Aid Society in the community
* Conduct off-site intake, including during evening hours as needed

SECONDARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Other duties as assigned

* Admission to the New York State Bar
* Minimum of ten years of legal practice preferred with a primary focus in NYC Housing Court
* Experience litigating in various forums, including State and federal courts
* Knowledge in various practice areas within civil legal services practice 
* Excellent litigation skills and experience litigating individual and group cases
* Excellent oral and written advocacy skills 
* Demonstrated commitment and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
* Demonstrated commitment to policy advocacy and administrative reform
* Experience working with vulnerable populations including but not limited to seniors 
* Experience supervising and mentoring others required
* Demonstrated leadership ability
* Grant-writing and fundraising experience
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
* Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice
* Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model 
* Pro bono, government, public service and academic experience will be considered
* Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Only PDF documents will be accepted. If your document is not a PDF, your application will not be processed. Applications submitted without all the required materials will not be processed.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The leadership of The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer -- women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org opens an email client application.