Family Law Staff Attorney: Domestic Violence Project

The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) at the Urban Justice Center seeks a full-time Family Law Staff Attorney to work within a legal-psychosocial framework with survivors of intimate partner violence to provide legal representation and advocacy on matters including custody/visitation, orders of protection, child/spousal support, divorce, and lead community-based outreach and trainings. The ideal candidate will be community oriented, comfortable with public speaking, and has a proven ability to work with teammates and clients of diverse backgrounds.

About DVP

The Domestic Violence Project (DVP)’s mission is to help survivors of intimate partner violence and their children live free of violence and abuse, marshalling the combination of legal and advocacy services necessary to secure justice and a dignified quality of life. We consider intimate partner violence – regardless of gender, sexual identity, religion, immigration, or other status – to be a human rights violation. We serve an average of 1,600 survivors annually across all five boroughs of NYC through our comprehensive direct services (legal representation in family law and immigration matters, and advocacy case management), plus an additional 1,000+ reached through community outreach, education, and clinics.

Work position is currently hybrid but subject to change dependent on the needs of the program.

Job Responsibilities

The Family Law Staff Attorney reports to both the Director and Supervisor of family law services, and is responsible for the following:

• Zealously represent survivor in their family law matters
• Collaborate with our entire DVP team to assist clients and increase effectiveness of programming
• Provide consultation and advocacy throughout NYC’s Family Justice Centers
• Conduct outreach, education, and know-your-rights events throughout NYC and remotely
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with CBOs
• Train and mentor interns and volunteers
• Maintain records, statistics and funding requirements as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Awaiting Admission to the New York State bar mandatory
• Knowledge and understanding of intimate partner violence and trauma
• Deep experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles
• Ability to work with clients in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in diverse situations
• Comfortable with public speaking and highly motivated to cultivate new linkages
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Aptitude for intense and thorough negotiation and advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and work as a team member
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Interest and proclivity in working within a multi-disciplinary framework
• Must be able to travel between borough
• Must be able to work evenings if necessary

Salary and Benefits

Seeking an attorney with 0-3 years of legal experience with starting salary of $68,682.38 – $73,986.75, commensurate with experience, and an additional $1,000 for fluency in a community language. This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230.

The Urban Justice Center offers a robust benefits package including:

• Medical Insurance available on first day of employment
• Dental Insurance
• Eye Care Reimbursement
• Employer Retirement Contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Generous Vacation and Personal Time, including 4 weeks vacation, 5 personal days, and 1 week paid time off during annual office-wide holiday closure; early release summer Fridays and before federal holidays; day after Thanksgiving; birthday.
• 12 paid sick days
• Flexible spending account
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym reimbursement program
• An organizational culture valuing employees’ work/life balance

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and references via email to Madeline Garcia Bigelow, Esq., DVP Managing Director at mbigelow@urbanjustice.org. Please write “FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY” in the subject heading.

People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.

We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will only contact those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax.