HOUSING ATTORNEY - Litigation
Rochester, NY - Full Time, Exempt position
Empire Justice Center, a statewide not-for-profit law firm focused on systems change advocacy, is looking for a dynamic litigator with housing experience to join a team to address eviction prevention and housing stability through systems change litigation and policy advocacy in Rochester, New York. Empire Justice Center’s systems change approach will focus on high-impact, lasting improvements by providing holistic representation in collaboration with legal aid partners who are co-located in the Telesca Center for Justice. 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.
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 Housing Attorney:
Empire Justice Center is a proud partner in the Tenant Defense Project, a groundbreaking initiative in the Rochester area to provide legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. Our other legal services partner agencies in the Project are providing direct legal services to tenants. The Housing Attorney will be responsible for working with our partners to identify systemic problems seen by those facing eviction and developing litigation strategies to address them. This will include appeals of lower-court decisions as well as affirmative impact litigation. The Housing Attorney will work with other housing advocates on staff and our Legal Director in the planning, strategizing, and execution of these cases.
In addition, the Housing Attorney will participate in the development and implementation of training sessions to members of the Tenant Defense Project regarding issue-spotting for potential future impact litigation cases. In coordination with other staff, this Housing Attorney also will help identify potential policy improvements on a local or state level.
Duties will 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 2-5 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
- 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 class or collective actions, especially on behalf of plaintiffs
- Experience working with low-income families and communities
- Bilingual (English & Spanish or English & ASL)
Salary and Benefits:
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 welcomed 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, First/Last Name to the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies, please. Incomplete applications will not be considered. |