Staff Attorney, Family Law

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New Yorks leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services outreach and training and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Sanctuary for Families seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic and gender based violence in uncontested and contested matrimonial matters in Supreme Court. The Staff Attorney will be based out of the NYC Family Justice Center (FJC) in Brooklyn and will primarily represent Brooklyn-based clients. The Staff Attorney will also conduct civil legal screenings and legal consultations on matrimonial and family law matters conduct community outreach and education provide technical assistance to FJC partner agencies and collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The Attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director Family Law Project at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive legal services to clients who are victims of gender-based violence including: information and referrals; advocacy; risk assessment and safety planning services; and criminal/civil justice assistance and advocacy;
• Represent victims of gender-based violence in Supreme Court matrimonial actions involving (all or some) the following issues: child support spousal support orders of protection custody and visitation issues equitable distribution or post-judgment enforcement or modification actions;
• Collaborate with other domestic violence advocates and/or matrimonial practitioners within Sanctuary for Families or in other legal service organizations;
• Build relationships/partnerships with law firms law schools community based organizations and other agencies to strengthen our practice and increase the visibility of Sanctuary for Families in the legal and domestic violence communities;
• Represent Sanctuary for Families on task forces other political and advocacy committees and participate in outreach efforts outside the agency;
• Advocate for clients in legal and non-legal forums outside of their matrimonial cases including any ancillary matters in Family Court;
• Attend and participate in internal and external agency conferences/webinars and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono domestic violence and matrimonial/family law;
• Help to mentor project assistants volunteer attorneys legal fellows and/or interns as they provide legal services referrals and support to clients.
• Facilitate clients access to intra-agency and outside resources;
• Track client cases and work therein through Salesforce case management system;
• Perform related duties or special projects as directed by supervisors.

• J.D. and Admission to the New York State Bar;
• 2-5 years of litigation experience preferably with past family and/or matrimonial law experience;
• Ability to handle all aspects of complex matrimonial matters;
• Experience working in the gender-based violence field preferred;
• Ability to be self-motivated work independently work collaboratively problem-solve prioritize and multitask;
• Ability to effectively collaborate with all staff;
• Knowledge of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation for social change against gender-based violence;
• Ability to cooperate well with a diverse client and colleague population and other institutions;
• Excellent oral advocacy public speaking communication research and writing skills;
• Excellent problem solving facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills initiative and attention to detail;
• Fluency in a community language other than English preferred but not required.

Budgeted Salary: $79962 - $92834 per year based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/week) Salaried/ Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligation

Benefits:

• Health Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off (Holidays Vacation Personal Sick)
• Generous Leave Policy
• Flexible spending account / Health savings account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program
• Wellness program and rewards

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race creed (religion) color sex national origin sexual orientation military status age disability predisposing genetic characteristics marital status or domestic violence victim status and other categories protected under Federal New York state or New York city laws.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.