ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
RiseBoro Legal Empowerment and Assistance Program (LEAP), seeks an Assistant Legal Director to further LEAP’s mission of providing underserved low-income residents in the 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:
• Assist with the coordination and supervision of all LEAP staff, including review of written work product, case strategy and management, trial and appeal preparation, and case file management;
• Assist with oversight and development of LEAP’s internal structure and development; and, intake and referral policies and procedures;
• Collaborate closely with and support the Director’s development, evolution and achievement of overall program goals, growth, and priorities;
• Supervise, support and strategize with Tenant Organizers;
• Assist with the recruitment of attorney and non-attorney staff, as needed;
• Maintain a reduced individual caseload;
• Serve as Director in the absence of the Legal Program Director;
• Supervise Tenants’ Rights Meetings;
• Respond to client, community and staff concerns;
• Train and mentor staff attorneys and non-legal staff;
• Foster and encourage teamwork and cross collaboration;
• Evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workloads;
• Reinforce and maintain staff accountability;
• Assist with developing and maintaining community support and relationships with community based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts;
• Participate in brief legal services;
• Attend community meetings and events as necessary;
• Attend staff and case strategy meetings;
• Conduct community education, training, and outreach and promote the work of the office;
• Evaluate office needs and identify resources to address the need;
• Other duties as needed or assigned.
COMPETENCIES
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with low-income communities;
• Excellent legal research, writing and communication skills;
• 5-7 years of legal experience, with a minimum of 4 years 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;
• Prior supervisory experience;
• 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: Assistant Legal Director Position to: Kesha Jagdeo, Director of Empowerment Services, [email protected]