BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger Bronx community. In all aspects of our work, BronxWorks strives for the highest ethical and performance standards. We are guided by the belief that people must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their present situation or past experiences. We have over 65 locations throughout the Bronx providing a variety of programs that assist in the areas of family, children and youth support, educational services, senior services, homelessness, financial empowerment, and workforce development, among others. With over 50 years of experience supporting Bronx communities, we are an employer of choice for those seeking a meaningful career in the social services field.
BronxWorks Legal Services – Tenant Defense Program
The BronxWorks model aims to break the cycle of poverty through a holistic approach, helping individuals and families transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. A key component of this continuum of support is BronxWorks Legal Services, which provides free legal assistance to those seeking immigration stability, facing eviction, and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. Within BronxWorks Legal Services, the Tenant Defense Program plays a vital role in securing housing stability for low-income tenants. The program supports New York City’s groundbreaking Universal Access to Counsel initiative, which ensures low-income tenants the right to full legal representation in eviction proceedings.
Staff Attorney Opportunity
BronxWorks has multiple staff attorney openings in the Tenant Defense Program and seeks admitted attorneys and recent law graduates eager to work in a dynamic setting and to advance every available legal strategy to secure optimal client results. The Tenant Defense Program offers an excellent opportunity to launch or grow a public interest legal career, hone litigation expertise, and meaningfully contribute to efforts to prevent displacement of Bronx communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal representation to tenants referred to BronxWorks through the Universal Access to Counsel initiative and other referral sources.
- Litigate in various forums including housing court, appellate courts, and administrative tribunals, including NYCHA tenancy termination proceedings and housing benefits hearings.
- Provide full legal representation, including: counsel clients on all available legal defenses and strategies, regularly communicate with clients to ensure they are informed on all pertinent information about their case, negotiate with outside counsel, engage in motion practice, present oral arguments at hearings and court conferences, conduct discovery and depositions, prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings and trials, and advocate with government agencies and external providers on clients’ behalf.
- Develop and apply expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits to secure the best possible client outcomes.
- Participate in court-based intake processes and conduct intakes.
- Engage in client and community outreach and education initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- A J.D. from an accredited law school, and either a July 2024 bar exam taker or attorney admitted to practice in New York State, or an attorney who has recently passed the NY Bar Exam or its equivalent.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
- Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
- Excellent legal research, oral and written advocacy, and analytical skills.
- Strong time management and organizational skills including the ability to manage a diverse and fast-paced caseload generated by a universal access to counsel intake system where clients are legally entitled to representation.
Plus Factors
- Litigation experience, including that gained through law school clinics, internships, and externships.
- Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy.
- Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or another relevant language other than English is preferred.
Salary, Benefits and Hours
- The salary range for this position is $78,000.00 to $85,000.00 per year, based on experience.
- An overview of benefits can be found at https://bronxworks.org/take-action/work-with-us/.
- Hours: Full time/Exempt, on a hybrid remote/in-office schedule.
- Like all employees, this position is an employee at will.
BronxWorks Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
BronxWorks seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity
BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff, and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact hrbenefits@bronxworks.org.
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