Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years we have challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing income and economic security family and immigration stability education and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 600 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations elected officials public agencies pro bono lawyers and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

LSNYC employees have numerous opportunities for growth and professional development including access to our internal Justice Learning Center which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer.

Legal Services NYC Seeks Fall 2026 Right to Counsel Housing Staff Attorneys and Law Graduates

Do you want to start your career in the courtroom Are you excited to engage in motion practice conduct oral advocacy and handle trials from the beginning of your career Do you want to use your legal degree to push forward social justice and help every day New Yorkers protect their homes & communities

Legal Services NYC seeks law graduates and/or staff attorneys to join our Fall 2026 class of Right to Counsel (RTC) attorneys as we continue to implement New York Citys groundbreaking Right to Counsel law. The attorneys in our dynamic high-impact housing unit are engaged in cutting edge litigation in court every single day helping build tenant power and prevent evictions for tens of thousands of New Yorkers every year.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

New York Citys Right to Counsel law passed in 2017 after a successful tenant-led campaign by tenant organizers advocacy groups and legal services organizations is the first law in the nation to provide income-eligible tenants who are sued for eviction in housing court with the right to an attorney to defend their case.

LSNYCs housing practice helps realize this promise of this law and represents low-income tenants defending their homes and seeking to enforce the numerous tenant protections they are rightfully entitled to. Our litigators defend tenants in many different settings including in eviction proceedings in housing court representing tenants in administrative hearings bringing affirmative litigation in state and federal court and handling appeals at all levels.

The work of RTC Housing Unit attorneys will involve developing expertise in housing court practice housing programs and subsidies and public benefits. The attorneys will be expected to perform community outreach and provide legal information advice and counsel both in clinical and informal settings. The attorneys will also be expected to perform trainings for other advocates tenant associations community members and community groups. 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 anticipated start date of this position will be September 2026.

Salary and Compensation

Salary is pursuant to our collective bargaining agreement. Salary Range for a position starting in September 2026 (based on years experience) is as follows:

• 1-10 years: $88181 $113737
• 11-20 years: $116338 $137347
• 21 years: $143685 $169852

LSNYCs Expansive Benefits Package includes: exceptional healthcare with low copays (for which employees pay only 1% of their salaries per year) comprehensive dental insurance a vision plan generous vacation days (21 days the first year; 28 days/year thereafter) that people routinely use plus 14 paid holidays and 18 sick days/year. We provide industry-leading parental leave (on average six months) as well as coverage for fertility treatment. Employees with student loan debt also have access to our internal Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

All non-managerial staff including those hired in this position are part of one union.

The position ishybridpermitting 50% remote work job duties permitting.

Responsibilities

• Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants referred to LSNYC through the Right to Counsel initiative in NYC housing courts and through other referral sources.
• Litigating cases in housing court administrative forums appellate courts and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction and in affirmative cases challenging agencies and actors who threaten New York City residents ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
• Developing expertise in housing court practice housing programs and subsidies and public benefits.
• Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
• Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
• Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
• Providing trainings to other advocates tenant associations community members and community groups.

Qualifications

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission (or seeking admission) to practice law in the State of New York.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
• Excellent advocacy analytic writing and leadership skills.
• Strong time management and organization skills including the ability to handle a diverse fast-paced caseload generated by a Right to Counsel civil defender practice where clients may have a legal entitlement to representation.
• Experience in housing landlord/tenant or related advocacy preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or a language other than English that is frequently used by our clients is preferred.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please no telephone calls.

Inclusion Statement

Research shows that women people of color and LGBTQIA individuals may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We know that the best candidate may not meet every qualification listed above. If youre passionate about this work and have relevant experience we strongly encourage you to applyeven if youre unsure you check every box.

ABOUT US

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years we have challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing income and economic security family and immigration stability education and health care.

LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 650 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations elected officials public agencies pro bono lawyers and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

LSNYC employees have numerous opportunities for growth and professional development including access to our internal Justice Learning Center which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer.

At LSNYC we embrace equity and challenge injustice internally and externally in partnership with clients low-income communities and other allies. Our goal is to foster belonging and promote an inclusive environment in which all employees are able to: perform at their best; feel valued respected and motivated; share views and ideas for continuous improvement; access professional development leadership and learning opportunities; and work collaboratively to cultivate a supportive client-centered environment and culture.

ABOUT OUR BOROUGH OFFICES

Bronx Legal Services housing unit is the largest housing unit at LSNYC and serves the community with the highest need. The Bronx has the highest share of rent regulated and affordable units in NYC and our office strives to preserve the affordable housing stock allowing Bronx residents to stay in their homes. The office creates community across its teams frequently holding picnics potlucks and happy hours. The office is conveniently located in the South Bronx just 2-3 subway stops from Manhattan near the 2 and 5 subway lines and several bus lines making it easy to access from all over the City and surrounding areas.

Staten Island Legal Services housing unit delivers an outsized impact for the historically underserved communities of low-income tenants in Staten Island. As a small tight-knit team the Staten Island housing unit is able to tailor its work to the emerging needs of Staten Island communities as well as the evolving needs of its staff. The housing stock in Staten Island consists of public housing regulated housing and single-family homes leading to a multifaceted housing practice. The office is located conveniently near St. Georges transportation hub and the Staten Island ferry.

Queens Legal Services housing unit consists of a friendly cooperative team serving one of the most diverse communities in the world. This diversity is reflected in the exceptional food and culture available throughout the borough where more than 50% of the population is bilingual. The housing stock in Queens is also diverse including multi-family dwellings as well as single-family homes allowing Queens advocates to engage with a wide-variety of housing litigation. The office is located conveniently across the street from Queens Housing Court near the E J Z and F trains as well as the Long Island Railroad.

Manhattan Legal Services housing unit represents tenants in the geographically smallest but most densely populated borough of New York City. Manhattans housing team is close and collaborative representing long-term tenants in iconic New York City neighborhoods like Harlem and Chinatown. The main Manhattan office is in Harlem near the historic Apollo Theatre Adam Clayton Powell Plaza and the A C 23 and 456 subways as well as many bus lines. Manhattan also has a downtown office near Housing Court and the 1 2 3 and A C E subway lines.

Brooklyn Legal Services housing unit represents tenants in the most populous borough of New York City. Over the past few decades Brooklyn has experienced rapid gentrification and our housing advocates have been at the forefront of protecting Brooklyn communities. Housing Court in Brooklyn continues to be one of the most contentious and litigation heavy courthouses in the City. The downtown Brooklyn office situated in a bustling commercial area with access to every subway line and several bus routes fosters a strong sense of community that enhances our commitment to defending and advancing tenants rights and preserving Brooklyn neighborhoods.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color women people with disabilities people over 40 and gay lesbian bisexual and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color women people with disabilities people over 40 and gay lesbian bisexual and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.