MANHATTAN LEGAL SERVICES, a part of Legal Services NYC, is seeking a dynamic and experienced attorney to serve as a Supervising Attorney of our Housing Unit. This position will involve helping to create and lead an Anti-Displacement Project in East Harlem, joining a new and exciting expansion of Legal Services NYC anti-displacement advocacy focused on supporting communities facing rapid gentrification. We are looking for candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice. The Supervisor will oversee the work of several attorneys and paralegals as well as working closely with tenant organizers, tenant associations and community partners to identify and address housing needs.
Manhattan Legal Services is part of Legal Services NYC (LSNYC), the largest provider of free civil legal services for low-income people in the country. The Manhattan office is dedicated to providing high quality legal services in the areas of housing, family law, public benefits, employment, immigration, and consumer, education, and disability rights. The Manhattan program also has special units serving particular vulnerable populations including domestic violence victims, people with HIV, and SRO tenants. We work in partnership with community-based organizations in the low-income communities we serve in order to address the causes of homelessness, hunger and family disintegration. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated leader and attorney.
The responsibilities of the Supervising Attorney will include managing and supervising this new and exciting anti-displacement project in East Harlem, helping to develop and file affirmative litigation, co-counseling complex cases, managing grants, and collaborating with community-based organizations.
We seek a Supervising Attorney admitted to the New York State Bar with:
• A demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity;
• At least 4 years’ experience providing civil legal services to low income people or comparable relevant experience;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• Strong organization skills and ability to handle a diverse, fast paced, and high volume case load
• Excellent leadership skills;
• Background in organizing or enthusiasm for partnering with community-based advocates and organizations;
• Experience in housing, landlord/tenant and or related advocacy, preferred; and
• Fluency or proficiency in a second language strongly preferred, particularly Spanish and other languages spoken in East Harlem.
Salary is commensurate with experience
Manhattan Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender persons, and persons over 40 are welcome and are encouraged to apply.
Bar Associations and other organizations: Manhattan Legal Services seeks and welcomes your recommendations for candidates who meet the foregoing qualifications and, in addition, requests that you or your organization encourage such candidates to apply.
Job #10-2015 [ADP]
How to apply
send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references by email to jobpostingsmls@mls.ls-nyc.org. Please put “Supervising Attorney” in the subject line.