Supervising Attorney

Our client is a legal services organization, which provides free legal assistance to those seeking immigration stability, facing eviction, and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.

Within the organization, the Tenant Defense Program plays a vital role in securing housing stability for low-income tenants.

The program supports New York City’s groundbreaking Universal Access to Counsel initiative.

About the Role :

The organization seeks an experienced attorney to join the Tenant Defense Program’s management team as supervising attorneys.

Reporting to the program director, the supervising attorneys help to develop and lead the program and ensure excellent legal representation to clients by providing training, supervision, and mentorship to a team of staff attorneys and a paralegal as well as carrying a reduced independent caseload.

The ideal candidate is passionate about social justice, knowledgeable about NYC housing law, practice, and benefits, and capable of developing and carrying out creative legal strategies in the pursuit of optimal client outcomes in NYC Housing Court.

Team Supervision and Mentorship :

• Supervise a team of staff attorneys, a paralegal, and volunteers / interns, ensuring high standards of representation and client service while meeting program and grant objectives.
• Conduct regular one-on-one supervision meetings.
• Lead regular case review meetings. Oversee analysis of legal issues, case strategy, and case administration. Set and enforce litigation schedules and deadlines.
• Review and edit pleadings and other written work products.
• Supervise appearances in court and administrative proceedings. Second seat entry-level attorneys.
• Coordinate and supervise intake and case assignments.
• Address client, community, and staff concerns.
• Supervise team paralegal, ensuring high-quality support to staff attorneys and clients, including effective benefits application assistance, administrative and advocacy support.
• Mentor staff and provide resources, training, and professional development.
• As needed, provide program-wide supervision on rotation with other supervising attorneys.
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of applicable law, practice, and benefits.

Client Representation :

Maintain a reduced caseload, representing tenants in eviction proceedings in housing court and administrative settings, including hearings, trials, and appeals.

Community Engagement :

• Build relationships with other internal programs, community organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, provider networks, and the courts.
• Collaborate with internal and external resources to address client needs.
• As directed, attend meetings to promote organizational, program, and client interests.

Program Management :

• Collaborate with the program director and other supervising attorneys to provide strategic leadership and direction and to develop and strengthen program policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with data entry and reporting requirements.

Perform additional duties as assigned