Senior Staff Attorney, Matrimonial/Economic Justice Project

New York

Description: 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

The Senior Staff Attorney handles uncontested and contested matrimonial and contested family court actions, in all five boroughs of New York City and oversees Sanctuary's Uncontested Divorce Project. The Senior Staff Attorney empowers victims of gender based violence by providing them with comprehensive, compassionate, holistic legal services by providing them with comprehensive, compassionate, holistic legal services through direct representation, collaboration with pro bon attorneys, information and referrals, community education, and client outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides comprehensive legal services to clients who are victims of gender based violence , including: information and referrals; personal advocacy and accompaniment; emotional support and safety services; and criminal/civil justice assistance and advocacy

Represents victims of domestic violence in Family and Supreme Court primarily in cases involving: child support, spousal support orders of protection, custody, and visitation issues, matrimonial matters, enforcement or modification actions.

Recruits, mentors, trains and supervises attorneys, law students, pro bono attorneys and volunteers

Develops and conducts trainings in the area of matrimonial law and gender violence

Coordinates the Uncontested Divorce Clinic with law students and the Publication Divorce Clinic with pro bono attorneys, Overseeing all aspects, including collaboration with participating law schools and law firms, placing cases with law students and associates, training, supervising, and mentoring the law students and associates

Supervise law students in their client interaction and drafting of uncontested divorce paperwork

Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with pro bono attorneys on uncontested, publication, and contested divorces

Collaborates with other domestic violence advocates practicing in the field of matrimonial and family law

Builds relationships/partnerships with law firms, law schools, community based organizations, and other agencies to strengthen our practice and increase the visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal and domestic violence communities

Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces, other political and advocacy committees, and participates in outreaches outside the agency

Advocates for clients in legal and non-legal forums outside of their matrimonial or family court cases

Attends and participates in internal and external agency conferences/webinars and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono, domestic violence, and matrimonial/family law

Handles a caseload of family and matrimonial matters

Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources

Tracks client cases through Salesforce case management system

Performs related duties or special projects as directed by supervisors

Requirements:

J.D. and Admission to the New York State Bar

Minimum of 5 years legal experience, preferably in the public interest sector, and with past family and matrimonial law experience

Ability to handle all aspects of complex matrimonial matters

Experience working in the gender violence field

Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, work collaboratively, problem-solve, prioritize and multitask

Ability to effectively mentor direct reports and collaborate with all staff

Knowledge of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation for social change against gender-based violence

Ability to cooperate well with diverse people and institutions

Excellent oral advocacy, public speaking, communication, research, and writing skills

Excellent problem solving, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills

Excellent organizational skills, initiative and attention to detail

Strong computer skills

Proficiency in LexisNexis Legal Research, Salesforce, Microsoft Office suite

Spanish fluency strongly preferred

Supervisory experience strongly preferred

Budgeted Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 annually

This position is Full-time (35hr/wk), Salaried/Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; may vary by job site; 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 initiatives

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.

Compensation details: 80000-90000 Yearly Salary

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