ABOUT US
Sanctuary for Families is New York's 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 Community Law Project (CLP) seeks an attorney with domestic violence and/or family law experience to provide comprehensive, culturally competent legal services to survivors of domestic and gender based violence who seek assistance with family offense, custody/visitation, and child/spousal support proceedings, as well as matrimonial matters. The attorney will also conduct community legal clinics, outreach and training and will collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the Manhattan Office and will report to the Center's Sr. Deputy Director and Sr. Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and divorces in all five boroughs of NYC. Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems;Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients in family law matters;Conducts legal clinics at community based organizations;Staffs the Legal Helpline; Co-counsels cases with project, Legal Center and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members.Advocates directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, prosecutors, Administration for Children's Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS);Conducts community based outreach and training;Works with Sanctuary's Community and Outreach Training Initiative (SCOTI) to coordinate, organize and participate in outreach and training events;Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys.Directs cases to the appropriate resources within the agency and the Legal Center;Tracks the status of cases referred internally and externally;Fosters and maintains relationships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that refer clients to the Helpline;Partners with the Pro Bono Project in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys;Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the Sr. Legal Director and Sr. Deputy Director. J.D. and admitted to NY Bar;One to two years of relevant work experience;Fluency in a community language including Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, Haitian-Creole, Spanish and Russian preferred but not required;Ability to work with diverse populations;Sensitivity to sexual exploitation, domestic violence and other gender-related issues;Ability to multitask and prioritize;Strong ability to work independently;Excellent problem-solving skills;Excellent organizational skills;Strong communication skills;Computer literacy including Microsoft OfficeBudgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement.
Work position is Full-time; Salary/Exempt
Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations
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 rewardsSanctuary 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.
Read LessABOUT US
Sanctuary for Families is New York's 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
(2 available positions)
The Staff Attorney is a key position within Sanctuary for Families' Immigration Intervention Project (IIP), a legal services project that represents thousands of survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence, and human trafficking in a broad range of immigration matters. The Staff Attorney will work within Sanctuary for Families' Gender-Based Asylum Rapid Response Initiative, which will deliver high-volume, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent pro se legal assistance and representation to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and/or other forms of gender-based violence seeking U.S. asylum, with a focus on the needs of new arrivals to New York. The caseload may vary and is determined, in part, by the terms of the funding agreement that covers the positions. Other responsibilities include conducting community outreach and education, and collaborating with other agencies, including those at the New York City Family Justice Centers, to best assist and empower immigrant survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence and human trafficking and to advocate on their behalf with systems affecting their lives. The IIP operates from 5 different locations in New York City; this Staff Attorney works out of the Manhattan office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide survivors of gender-based violence and sex trafficking legal services in connection with immigration cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and appellate courts, including by helping asylum seekers complete I-589 and EAD applications, as well as crucial related filings-including change of address, motions to change venue, requests for prosecutorial discretion, motion to reopen, motions for termination, administrative closure, or continuance, as appropriate-and ensure they are properly filed;Represent immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, including by preparing and filing applications for U visas, VAWA-based adjustment of status, asylum, SIJS, naturalization, and/or other forms of immigration status;Help to mentor project assistants, volunteer attorneys, legal fellows, and/or interns as they provide legal services, referrals and support to immigrant clients; Conduct screening interviews with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States immigration law;Advocate with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or advocate and engage in motion practice to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, and/or federal courts for the best possible outcome in clients' cases;Represent Sanctuary for Families at community events and on advocacy committees and task forces;Advocate on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions on issues of eligibility for housing, education, and public benefits;Advocate on behalf of clients in family and criminal court proceedings, as needed;Collaborate with community-based organizations, legal services providers, district attorney's offices, other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and health care providers to improve responses to immigrant survivors, and to educate and provide technical assistance on issues relating to immigrant clients.Contribute to Sanctuary's efforts to educate the public, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and elected officials about issues related to immigrant victims of domestic violence; develop written materials and curriculum for such purposes.Refer victims of domestic violence and gender based violence to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;Maintain timely and accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients;Perform other project duties or special projects as directed by Director.Admitted practice law in New York State; Minimum of two (2) years of experience in immigration law; Bilingual English and a relevant community language (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, etc.);Experience working in the field, preferably in a non-profit setting, to assist survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender-based violence, and/or human trafficking;Excellent judgment and attention to detail;Strong writing and analytical skills;Strong communication skills;Excellent interpersonal skills;Ability to work independently and under pressure;Energetic and passionate about Sanctuary's mission of ending gender based violence and human trafficking;Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
Budgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with a 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 rewardsSanctuary 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.
