Staff Attorney, Safe Horizon, Brooklyn, NY

Staff Attorney

Posted on: May 16, 2013
Application deadline: July 12, 2013
Posted by: Safe Horizon

DESCRIPTION

The Staff Attorney, using complete autonomy and independence, provides legal representation to domestic violence victims in family offense, custody, visitation and child support cases in Family Court.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts in depth interviews with victims of domestic violence, compiles history and investigates to corroborate charges.
• Drafts all legal documents and makes all court appearances with DV victims.
• Prepares witnesses and client for court appearances
• Responsible for assisting clients with a holistic range of services, including advocacy on not-legal issues.
• Exercises complete decision making authority over each client's case.
• Provides legal information advocacy and referrals to individual who reach out to the DVLP helpline.
• Maintains clients' case files and all internal data logs.
• Maintains monthly statistical reports documenting case representation, provision of legal advocacy and referrals.
• Provides statistical data to 5 to 10 funders.
• Conducts presentations and trainings to community based organizations and other service providers to promote the mission of the agency.
• Attends meetings to discuss policy issues affecting client population.
• Develops and maintains relationships with individuals, organizations and government agencies within the domestic violence and legal community in New York City.
• Participates in the Lawyer's Committee against Domestic Violence and other advocacy/policy groups.
• Serves as an internal resource to Safe Horizon staff, answering questions and making educational presentations.
• Contributes to the employment, supervision and oversight of support staff, volunteers and student interns.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to convey legal concepts to lay people.
• The ability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, pleadings and correspondence in a clear, concise and effective manner is essential.
• Must be creative and have critical thinking skills.
• Must be a persuasive and effective public speaker.
• Prior experience organizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges is preferred. Must possess demonstrated appropriate communications skills with client populations, colleagues and court staff.
• Problem-solving, prioritizing, time management, team-building and organizational skills are also essential.
• Must be familiar with legal services, resources and procedures available in New York City.
• Must possess a knowledge and understanding of economic issues facing domestic violence victims, including but not limited to housing, public benefits and child support.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with various individuals, organizations and government agencies is essential.
• A strong commitment to working exclusively with victims of domestic violence is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school, be admitted to the New York State Bar and have 2 to 4 years of related experience.
• New graduates who have completed an approved fellowship may be considered.
• Must have prior experience in and/or thorough knowledge of family law, crisis intervention, criminal justice system, working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, family violence, poverty law, feminist law and/ social justice work.

HOW TO APPLY

Please follow link to apply for this position:
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=5138731

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the bases of race, age, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.


All prospective job candidates must meet screening requirements, which includes a background check, finger printing and State Central Registry clearance.