What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
Sanctuary for Families seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence in family law matters in Staten Island. The areas of focus are primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and divorce. The Staff Attorney will also provide civil legal screenings and legal consultations, assist pro se clients by drafting family law petitions and other filings, assist with pro se clinics, conduct community outreach and education, provide technical assistance to FJC partner agencies, and collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center in Staten Island. The attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director, Family Law Project at the Staten Island Family Justice Center.
Responsibilities
Sanctuary for Families seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence in family law matters in Staten Island. The areas of focus are primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and divorce. The Staff Attorney will also provide civil legal screenings and legal consultations, assist pro se clients by drafting family law petitions and other filings, assist with pro se clinics, conduct community outreach and education, provide technical assistance to FJC partner agencies, and collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center in Staten Island. The attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director, Family Law Project at the Staten Island Family Justice Center.
Responsibilities
- Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and matrimonial matters.
- Maintains a caseload of approximately 20 - 30 active clients per month and approximately 40 – 60 active cases.
- Conducts outreach to underserved communities.
- Trains law students, pro bono attorneys, social service providers, health care professionals, and community based organizations on domestic violence and the legal needs of victims.
- Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.
- Recruits, mentors, and/or provides co-counsel to pro bono attorneys on all aspects of litigation in family law matters.
- Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members on all aspects of client contact, litigation support, case management, and/or project development.
- Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
- Attends and 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.
- Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.