Fall 2027 Right to Counsel Staff Attorneys/Law Graduates

THE OPPORTUNITY:

New York City’s Right to Counsel law, passed in 2017 after a successful tenant-led campaign by tenant organizers, advocacy groups and legal services organizations, is the first law in the nation to provide income-eligible tenants who are sued for eviction in housing court with the right to an attorney to defend their case.

LSNYC’s housing practice helps realize this promise of this law and represents low-income tenants defending their homes and seeking to enforce the numerous tenant protections they are rightfully entitled to. Our litigators defend tenants in many different settings, including in eviction proceedings in housing court, representing tenants in administrative hearings, bringing affirmative litigation in state and federal court, and handling appeals at all levels.

The work of RTC Housing Unit attorneys will involve developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits. The attorneys will be expected to perform community outreach and provide legal information, advice, and counsel, both in clinical and informal settings. The attorneys will also be expected to perform trainings for other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups. We are looking for candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice. 

The anticipated start date of this position will be September 2027.

Salary and Compensation
Salary is pursuant to our collective bargaining agreement. Salary Range for a position starting in September 2027 (based on years’ experience):

0-10 years: $88,181 – $113,737 
11-20 years: $116,338 – $137,347  
21+ years: $143,685 – $169,852

All non-managerial staff, including those hired in this position, are part of one union.

The position is hybrid permitting 50% remote work, job duties permitting.

Responsibilities

Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants referred to LSNYC through the Right to Counsel initiative in NYC housing courts, and through other referral sources.
Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction, and in affirmative cases challenging agencies and actors who threaten New York City residents’ ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
Developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
Providing trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.

Qualifications

A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission (or seeking admission) to practice law in the State of New York.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
Excellent advocacy, analytic, writing, and leadership skills.
Strong time management and organization skills including the ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced caseload generated by a Right to Counsel civil defender practice where clients may have a legal entitlement to representation.
Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy, preferred.
Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or a language other than English that is frequently used by our clients is preferred.