RiseBoro Legal Empowerment and Assistance Program (LEAP), seeks a Staff Attorney to further LEAP’s mission of providing underserved low-income residents in Brooklyn with high quality, free legal services and assistance designed to preserve safe and affordable housing, and prevent needless homelessness by representing tenants facing illegal or unnecessary evictions, displacement, and tenant harassment. RiseBoro/LEAP is a uniquely holistic community based housing organization that provides clients with brief legal advice, full representation in housing court and other administrative agencies, tenant organizing, and tenants' rights workshops. He/she will:
• Provide client advice, referrals and representation in court and administrative proceedings;
• Provide motion practice in all phases of housing proceeding;
• Provide client advocacy with social service organizations, governmental agencies, and other third parties to obtain needed services, and benefits, as necessary
• Input and maintain accurate case file and tracking information;
• Conduct tenants' rights workshops;
• Attend community meetings and events;
• Attend staff and case strategy meetings.
COMPETENCIES
Have excellent interpersonal skills
Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with low-income communities
Have excellent legal research, writing and communication skills
1-3 years of legal experience, with a minimum of 1 year in housing court
Knowledge of Public Benefits/Entitlements highly desirable
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and opposing counsel
Ability to work independently and collaborate with others as needed
Spanish-speaking highly desirable
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
• Juris Doctor degree and Admission to New York State Bar
Please send your resume and cover letter with the subject line: Staff Attorney Position to: Kesha Jagdeo, Director of Empowerment Services, [email protected].