Staff Attorney - Family Law​/Domestic Violence Unit

Staff Attorney – Family Law/Domestic Violence Unit

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) is one of the largest civil legal services providers in the country, dedicated to fighting poverty, discrimination, and social injustice in New York. With more than 600 staff, LSNYC offers legal assistance to low‑income residents throughout the five boroughs. It provides training through the Justice Learning Center and creates opportunities for growth.

Staten Island Legal Services (SILS), an office of LSNYC located across the street from the Staten Island ferry, serves low‑income Islanders. SILS focuses on a range of critical issues: housing, fraud, domestic violence, family law, immigration, and advocacy for LGBTQ+, students, and people with disabilities. SILS is part of LSNYC’s broader commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

All employees participate in DEIB training and initiatives.

The Family Law/Domestic Violence Unit is an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and a social worker. The unit provides comprehensive, culturally competent services to survivors of intimate‑partner violence and addresses family law/matrimonial matters—including divorce, custody, child support, and civil orders of protection. The unit conducts outreach, training, and advocacy in partnership with community agencies. The staff attorney reports to the unit director.

• Conduct intakes, provide advice, information, and assessment for full representation.
• Develop safety plans and refer clients for legal and social services.
• Interview, advise, and represent survivors in domestic‑violence and family‑law cases in the appropriate courts.
• Represent SILS at community events, stakeholder meetings, and off‑site clinics.
• Conduct outreach and education with partner agencies.
• Provide training to attorneys, advocates, and community members.
• Advocate with agencies on behalf of clients.
• Collaborate with the social worker and other attorneys in an interdisciplinary model.
• Complete administrative tasks: timekeeping, file maintenance, document uploads, data reporting, and grant‑compliance case closing.
• Comply with grant requirements, including informing clients about Crime Victims Assistance and assisting with benefits and compensation through the Office of Victim Services.

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State bar (or pending application).
• 2–4 years of matrimonial and/or family‑law practice in New York City (strong preference).
• Strong interest in litigation and working directly with survivors of domestic violence, including clients in crisis.
• Knowledge of, or engagement with, Staten Island’s low‑income communities is a plus.
• Commitment to social justice and equity in low‑income and communities of color.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational ability.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Spanish or another community language strongly preferred.

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The position is full‑time with a hybrid remote work policy and a comprehensive benefits package. Salary range: $85,612 – $120,553 USD. Compensation depends on experience.

All employees are strongly encouraged to remain up‑to‑date with COVID‑vaccination requirements unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

Legal Services NYC is an equal‑opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 40, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.