Consultation Attorney, Family Law Project

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence.

Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services.

We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies : direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy.

Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary for Families seeks an experienced family law attorney to provide initial civil legal screenings, legal consultation, support clients in filing pro se family law petitions, conduct legal clinics, and represent a small caseload of clients in family law matters.

The Consultation Attorney will work out of our Brooklyn Family Justice Center office. The consultation attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director of the Family Law Project at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides initial civil legal screenings and any necessary follow-up legal consultations to clients seeking family law assistance, including drafting of pro se petitions and other filings

In collaboration with Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director, creates, implements, coordinates and conducts ongoing family law legal clinics to assist clients in drafting pro se petitions for Family and Supreme Courts.

Collaborates with FJC family law projects across the five FJC’s to create, implement and coordinate pro se services and clinics and collaborates with other SFF legal projects.

Coordinates, supervises and / or mentors staff attorneys, project assistants, pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers on all aspects of client contact, litigation support, litigation strategy and execution, case management, and / or project development.

Assists in recruitment, selection and team onboarding of project assistants, collaborating with Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director.

Assists Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director with performance evaluation of staff, responsible for performance evaluation for project assistants.

Together with the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director, participates in internal management audits and reviews, and designs and implements program improvements using outcome-based evaluations, among other tools

Provides direct representation to a small caseload of clients in family law matters, including matrimonial, family offense, custody and visitation, and child and spousal support cases.

Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems.

Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.

Provides technical assistance to FJC partner agencies.

Conducts community outreach, training and education.

Actively engages in advocacy committees and task forces, and collaborates with other agencies to advocate for systemic change.

Participates in interagency conferences and legal / bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono, domestic violence, and legal remedies for victims of domestic violence.

J.D. degree

Admission to the NY Bar

3 or more years of relevant family law experience required

Foreign language skills a plus

Strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills

Enjoy working collaboratively and be comfortable speaking in public

Highly motivated to provide zealous, knowledgeable, culturally competent, and empathic legal advocacy to domestic violence victims

Budgeted Salary : $78,000 - $83,000 annually

This position is Full-time; 35hr / wk - Salaried / Exempt

Work position is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits :

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Employer retirement contribution

Paid time off

Flex spending account

Student Loan assistance

Tuition Reimbursement program

Gym Reimbursement program

Wellness program and rewards

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws.

Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues.

In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.