Holistic Family Defense Litigation Assistant

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) in Harlem seeks a Litigation Assistant to join the Family Defense Practice. This temporary, full-time role supports attorneys, social workers, and client advocates during Article 10 and related family court matters.

The position requires in-person work in Harlem or satellite offices, with a two-day-per-week in-person expectation and a focus on client-centered holistic advocacy. Salary ranges are provided in the Compensation section.

Qualifications

• Commitment to criminal justice and social justice issues.
• Ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities and backgrounds.
• High level of organization to handle a high caseload and fast-paced environment.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent support to the legal defense team with energy and client-centered advocacy.
• Assist with Article 10, Statewide Central Register, and related custody and parental rights cases.
• Staff court intake regularly and assist with emergency hearings.
• Work under pressure with frequent emergencies and tight deadlines.
• Engage with clients via phone, in-person meetings, and court appearances.
• Maintain thorough records and enter notes into the case management system.

Skills

Criminal justice commitment

Relationship-building

Organization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree

Tools

Westlaw

Case management system

Egnyte

Job description

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) in Harlem seeks a Litigation Assistant to join the Family Defense Practice. This temporary, full-time role supports attorneys, social workers, and client advocates during Article 10 and related family court matters.

The position requires in-person work in Harlem or satellite offices, with a two-day-per-week in-person expectation and a focus on client-centered holistic advocacy. Salary ranges are provided in the Compensation section.