Staff Attorney - Tier 1

Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision benefits

403(b) Retirement Savings Plans

Paid Holidays and Vacation

Employee Assistance Program support

Job summary

The Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs in New York is looking for a dedicated legal representative to assist low-income clients facing eviction. The role requires a Juris Doctor and admission to the New York State bar, along with strong client representation skills and a commitment to public interest law. Responsibilities include providing counseling, handling litigation, and representing tenants in court. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health, dental, and retirement savings plans.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience with trial experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with New York City housing law and public benefits.
• Experience working with low-income individuals.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with counseling and assistance to maintain housing.
• Handle litigation before administrative agencies as necessary.
• Conduct outreach and facilitate educational workshops.
• Represent tenants at trial.

Skills

Client representation

Trial experience

Strong communication

Team-building skills

Fluency in Spanish

Legal issue anticipation

Education

Juris Doctor from an ABA Accredited Law School

Admittance to the New York State bar

Job description

Role Summary

The successful candidate will provide culturally sensitive services to low-income NAICA clients facing eviction by representing them in the Bronx County Court House (Housing Court).

Primary Job Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide clients with counseling and assistance to ensure the maintenance of housing. Handle a full caseload of full representation in non‑payment and holdover proceedings in Bronx Housing Court and the NYCHA part.
• Handle litigation before administrative agencies as necessary, including NYCHA termination hearings, etc.
• Conduct outreach, including facilitating educational workshops and training.
• Represent tenants at trial.
• Prepare legal agreements, documents, motions, orders to show cause, etc.
• Judge the merits and spot the issues of court cases that we are assigned by the court, the Department of Social Services, or self-referred.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and social justice.

Physical Requirements

• Position is primarily sedentary.
• Operating computer equipment and/or similar office machinery is essential.
• Self-expression is mandatory with the ability to exchange information.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.
• Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.
• This is a full-time, exempt position. While standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, exempt employees are expected to work the hours necessary to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on organizational needs, deadlines, or events.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA Accredited Law School.
• Admittance to the New York State bar.
• Two (2) or more years of experience with trial experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with New York City housing law and public benefits.
• Ability to handle stress and work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience providing client representation and handling a case from intake to closing.
• Strong team-building skills and ability to work individually.
• Professional ethics and integrity.
• Excellent communication, research, organizational and writing skills.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues.
• Experience working with low-income individuals.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Maturity, integrity and sound judgment.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to [e-mail] with the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.”

Competitive Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full‑time employees
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Paid Time‑off
• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D
• Term Life and AD&D insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital
• Employee Discount Program

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.

At‑Will Employment Disclaimer

While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at‑will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.