Family Law Staff Attorney – Domestic Violence Project

DVP seeks a full-time Family Law Staff Attorney with 3-6 years of litigation experience to join a passionate team of attorneys and advocates to help survivors of intimate partner violence and their children gain safety, security, and independence. The Attorney will provide legal representation and advocacy on custody/visitation, orders of protection, child/spousal support, and divorce, and lead community-based outreach and trainings. The ideal candidate is able to thrive working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, is comfortable with public speaking, and has a passion for helping to build partnerships and community.

ABOUT DVP

The Domestic Violence Project (DVP)’s mission is to help survivors of intimate partner violence and their children live free of violence and abuse, marshalling the combination of legal and advocacy services necessary to secure justice and a dignified quality of life. We consider intimate partner violence – regardless of gender, sexual identity, religion, immigration, or other status – to be a human rights violation. We serve an average of 1,600 survivors annually across all five boroughs of NYC through our comprehensive direct services (legal representation in family law and immigration matters, holistic case management, and empowerment groups), plus an additional 1,000+ reached through community outreach, education, and clinics.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Family Law Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Family Law Attorney and is responsible for the following:

• Represent and advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence on matters including custody/visitation, guardianship, family offense, child/spousal support matters, and uncontested divorce.
• Collaborate with our advocacy team and other attorneys to assist clients and increase effectiveness of programming.
• Provide consultation and advocacy for survivors who seek help through NYC’s Family Justice Centers.
• Conduct outreach, education, and know-your-rights workshops to service providers, City Council member offices, and more throughout New York City and virtually.
• Build and foster relationships with other community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations to develop collaborations with DVP.
• Help train and mentor seasonal interns and volunteers.
• Maintain organized and accurate records; report on statistics and funding requirements as needed.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-6 years of litigation experience. Candidates awaiting bar results need not apply.
• Fluent in Spanish or another community language preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of intimate partner violence and trauma.
• Proficiency working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Aptitude for intense and thorough negotiation and advocacy.
• Ability to work with clients in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in diverse situations.
• Must be able to travel between boroughs.
• Interest in working within a multi-disciplinary framework.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance available on first day of employment
• Dental Insurance
• Eye Care Reimbursement
• Employer Retirement Contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Generous Vacation and Personal Time, including 4 weeks vacation, 5 personal days, and 1 week paid time off during annual office-wide holiday closure; early release summer Fridays and before federal holidays; day after Thanksgiving; birthday
• 12 paid sick days
• Flexible spending account
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym reimbursement program
• An organizational culture valuing employees’ work/life balance

DVP is currently operating on a hybrid schedule: for this position, main office days are Tuesdays and Thursdays, with exception of court, client accompaniments, outreach, etc. Hybrid schedule may change upon needs of program. Office hours are 9am-5pm, with occasional evenings required.

This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230. The salary range for this position is $72,893.35 – $77,892.23 / year. Generous vacation, medical, and dental benefits are provided.

TO APPLY

Please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) resume and (3) references via email to Heather Lothrop, Esq., Supervising Family Law Attorney at hlothrop@urbanjustice.org. Please write “STAFF ATTORNEY-FAMILY LAW” in the subject heading.

We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will only contact those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax.

DVP is an independently operating division of the Urban Justice Center, a social justice nonprofit organization based in New York City. The Urban Justice Center is home to 12 social justice projects that operate independently but share the agency’s infrastructure, as well as a common commitment to finding innovative solutions to the problems of poor and vulnerable people.

The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.