Staff Attorney - Tier 0

Title: Staff Attorney – Tier 0

Location: New York City Metropolitan Area

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Classification: Exempt

Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Role Summary: The Staff Attorney – Tier 0 provides culturally competent legal services to low-income NAICA clients facing eviction, including appearing in Housing Court and related proceedings. The role requires a strong commitment to public interest advocacy and housing preservation.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties:

The job duties of the Staff Attorney – Tier 0 include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Providing legal counseling and assistance to clients to support the maintenance of housing stability.
• Managing a full caseload consisting of non-payment and holdover proceedings in Bronx Housing Court, including cases in the NYCHA part.
• Handling litigation before administrative agencies, as needed, including NYCHA termination hearings.
• Conducting outreach activities, including facilitating educational workshops and training for tenants and community members.
• Representing clients in court appearances, hearings, and trials.
• Preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, orders to show cause, stipulations, and other related filings.
• Evaluating the merits of cases and identifying key legal and factual issues in matters referred by the court, the Department of Social Services, or through self-referrals.
• Demonstrating a commitment to public interest law and social justice.
• Attending professional meetings, educational conferences, and in-service training.
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including case notes and data entries, in both physical and electronic systems.
• Maintaining strict client confidentiality at all times.
• Upholding a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Managing time effectively and prioritizing workload to meet deadlines.
• Collaborating with other departmental staff and interdisciplinary teams.
• Performing general administrative and clerical duties as needed.
• Developing and maintaining effective communication with other programs and units within the organization to support coordinated services and referrals.
• Providing coverage across program areas, as needed.
• Performing additional duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• 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.

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements:

• May at times be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays based on organizational needs, deadlines, or events.

Qualifications:

• Must have a pending application for admission to practice law in the State of New York.
• Experience practicing law is preferred.
• Exposure to litigation, particularly in a trial setting, is preferred.
• Experience with case and client management, from intake through resolution, is preferred.
• Experience working with low-income individuals and underserved communities is preferred.
• Familiarity with New York City housing law and public benefits is preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues and apply analytical reasoning.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates professional ethics, integrity, maturity, and sound judgment.
• May be subject to employer-specified drug testing.
• May be subject to checks before and/or during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 HumanResources@naicany.org 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.

Physical Requirements:

• 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.

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements:

• May at times be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays based on organizational needs, deadlines, or events.

Qualifications:

• Must have a pending application for admission to practice law in the State of New York.
• Experience practicing law is preferred.
• Exposure to litigation, particularly in a trial setting, is preferred.
• Experience with case and client management, from intake through resolution, is preferred.
• Experience working with low-income individuals and underserved communities is preferred.
• Familiarity with New York City housing law and public benefits is preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues and apply analytical reasoning.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates professional ethics, integrity, maturity, and sound judgment.
• May be subject to employer-specified drug testing.
• May be subject to checks before and/or during employment.