Empire Justice Center, a statewide legal services organization, is seeking an Eviction Prevention Attorney to join their Rochester office as part of the Rapid Response Eviction Prevention Team. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected organization serving low-income individuals and families in New York State, and to focus on working with victims of illegal evictions and identifying repeated trends that can be addressed through systemic advocacy.
Empire Justice Center attracts and retains dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who make a significant impact on the lives of New Yorkers. We achieve our successes through direct legal representation and high-impact litigation, as well as legislative and administrative advocacy. 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:
Empire Justice Center is a proud partner in the Tenant Defense Project, a groundbreaking initiative in the Rochester area that provides legal assistance to any tenant who is facing eviction. Empire Justice will be leading an initiative within the Tenant Defense Project that will streamline the process of responding to the reports of illegal evictions in Rochester, which we hope will minimize police involvement and prevent displacement of the tenant. This Eviction Prevention Attorney will work closely with a “Rapid Response” non-attorney advocate, who will be dispatched in real-time to provide on-site assistance at the scene of the incident. The Eviction Prevention Attorney will receive all the relevant facts from the non-attorney advocate on the next business day, and then will work with the tenant in the days and weeks following to ensure the tenant’s rights are secure. This will include any necessary filings in Landlord-Tenant court.
In addition, the Eviction Prevention Attorney will be asked to help identify repeated issues and trends that can be addressed through systemic advocacy. Once identified, this attorney will be responsible for the development and implementation of training sessions, which may include trainings to Rochester Police Department personnel so that officers are aware of the specific kinds of issues that come up related to potential illegal eviction incidents they may see in the field.
This attorney will also help Identify and pursue changes in policy that will promote appropriate systems responses and stem illegal eviction incidents and coordinate with City officials to establish best practices as it relates to future illegal evictions.
Duties include: Evaluate new cases for acceptance and representation, conduct legal research, meet and develop relationships with clients and community partners, draft pleadings, motions, briefs and/or discovery, conduct document review, draft educational materials for the press, political figures and for the larger community.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A J.D. and a minimum of five years of post-J.D. experience as a practicing attorney, including litigation experience
- Admission to the New York State Bar or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission; or out of state admission with eligibility for pro hac vice status
- Demonstrated ability to successfully litigate cases individually or in teams
- Excellent oral, written and verbal communication
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and treat clients with consideration and respect
- Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with housing matters
- Experience working with low-income families and communities
- Bilingual (English & Spanish or English & ASL)
SALARYANDBENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the organization’s salary scale. Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefit 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 work force. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY:
This position is available immediately. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. If interested e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to: employment@empirejustice.orgPlease include, Eviction Prevention Attorney, First/Last Name to the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Eviction Prevention Attorney
employment@empirejustice.org
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