Queens Legal Services (QLS) seeks two staff attorneys to join our Tenant Rights Coalition in the Housing Unit.

Founded in 1967, QLS seeks equal access to justice for all low-income residents of Queens through a range of legal advocacy, education, and community partnerships. We provide free legal counseling, representation, and referrals in civil matters involving the essentials of life including housing, public and disability benefits, domestic violence prevention, consumer and homeowner protections, access to education, and employment rights to eligible low-income individuals and families. We work with our clients and partners to identify and address root causes for systemic inequalities in Queens and throughout New York City. We provide civil legal services from our office in Jamaica, Queens.

We are part of a network of local programs that make up Legal Services NYC, the largest free civil legal services provider in the United States.

QLS’ Tenant Rights Coalition (TRC) works on anti-displacement advocacy in Queens, focusing on supporting Queens communities facing significant housing needs in light of rapid and potentially disruptive neighborhood changes and gentrification. We seek candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice.

Role and Responsibilities

The Staff Attorneys’ responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Representing clients in both individual housing matters, including eviction defense proceedings, and multi-plaintiff affirmative cases to address repairs, overcharges, harassment, and more;
• Conducting intake and providing legal advice to potential clients;
• Appear in civil, supreme, and federal court as well as administrative proceedings;
• Work closely with tenant organizers, tenant associations, and community partners to identify and address housing needs;
• Conduct weekday, evening, and weekend outreach and off-site intake with our partners, as needed;
• Conduct training for other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups;
• Connecting clients to other necessary resources including community-based organizations, government agencies, service providers, and other non-profit organizations;
• Working effectively in a team environment with both legal and non-legal members to better serve clients and the community; and
• Maintaining online case files within the office case management system to ensure compliance with various grants.

Experience and Qualifications

We seek candidates with the following attributes:

• Admitted to practice law in the State of New York, or a law-school graduate who is in the process of being admitted;
• Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, and or related advocacy, preferred;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• A commitment to public service and an understanding of the legal problems and needs of the poor;
• The ability to communicate effectively with low-income client communities and communities of color;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced, and high-volume caseload;
• Experience working with community-based organizations and/or enthusiasm for partnering with community-based advocates and organizations;
• Experience and/or enthusiasm for working on advocacy in teams; and
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the communities we serve is strongly preferred. Salary is determined by a collective bargaining agreement

How to Apply

Interested individuals should upload their resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Greenhouse.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please no telephone calls.

Additional information about the practice may be found on our website, www.legalservicesnyc.org. Legal Services NYC is an equal-opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and people over the age of 40 are strongly encouraged to apply.