Consumer Law Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980 Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nations largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leader in supporting homeless families. Operating 24 shelters across New York City URI provides 3700 beds nightly in purpose-built shelters that offer trauma-informed services including counseling childcare case management and more. URIs Justice Initiatives extend support beyond shelter offering programs in economic empowerment legal advocacy youth prevention and abusive partner intervention. URI also develops permanent affordable housing as part of its long-term commitment to safety stability and healing.

Salary: $73000

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Legal Services the Consumer Law Attorney will work directly with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence residing in URI shelters and will provide civil legal services with an emphasis on financial advocacy and economic justice. Recognizing that 98% of survivors report they suffered economic abuse this position fills a gap in legal services related to economic justice for survivors.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct representation pro se assistance and other financial advocacy in consumer law issues related to identity theft fraud and coerced debt including credit report review debt assessment rent arrears lease termination and negotiations in consumer debt cases brought by creditors.
• Represent clients in consumer law proceedings in civil court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
• Develop legal strategies arguments and testimonies in preparation for presentation of cases for trials hearing and oral arguments.
• Work closely with the Financial Empowerment Specialist to conduct financial assessments financial safety planning debt management disputes and related advocacy.
• Research and analyze statutes judicial decisions and regulations to stay informed about new laws impacting consumer rights.
• Maintain organize and update case files in the case management database to ensure services are accurate for reports to funders.
• Create consumer law trainings for attorneys and social workers who provide services to domestic violence survivors.
• Develop internal consumer rights workshops for URI staff and shelter residents.
• Represent URI on coalitions taskforces and working groups focused on improving systems for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
• Work closely with the Financial Empowerment Specialist to conduct financial assessments and provide related advocacy.
• Lead on-site legal clinics and provide information and advice on a range of legal issues including family law orders of protection and immigration.
• Other duties as requested are based on department program and/or organizational needs.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• J.D. degree and admission to the New York State Bar in good standing.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 1-2 years of civil legal services experience representing survivors of domestic violence in relevant areas such as family immigration or consumer law
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Creative thinker with superior communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills time management and record keeping skills including the ability to work independently assess priorities take initiative handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively and to effectively interact with people from diverse educational cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence from marginalized communities.
• Experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary diverse team maintaining a healthy work environment for staff that encourages professionalism respect equality diversity and continuous improvement.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to travel within New York City.
• Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.
• Will be required to manipulate the computer mouse and keyboard.
• Will be required to read information on computer screen.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.

Required Experience:

Staff IC