Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Attorney for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Victims

The Attorney is a member of the organization’s Advocacy and Victims Services Department providing direct legal representation to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of and interest in the dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The Attorney provides legal support and guidance for all agency advocates. Legal representation in court includes orders of protection, child custody modifications, legal guardian ships, UVISAs and can include an advisor of choice for College Title IX hearings, landlord tenant and other legal issues affecting victims and their rights.

There is an opportunity for an attorney who has a long term goal of being involved in litigation as we explore the expansion of the legal services available to crime victims.

The range of legal services provided for sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking victims runs the spectrum from legal information, referrals, advice, assistance, advocacy, and appearances in Nassau County courts for orders of protection and courtroom and medical accompaniment to sexual assault forensic examinations.

• Provide legal advocacy to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, including representation for orders of protection.
• Assist in supporting CVC crime victim advocacy and courtroom advocate staff.
• Attend County stakeholder and other meetings as assigned.
• Maintain communication with other stakeholders in the family court and criminal court systems including the county attorney, district attorney, legal aide, probation, parole, and other federal and state law enforcement, supervisory and judicial staff.
• Lethality and safety planning with victims.
• Review of orders of protection, custody and family-related forms and maintenance of the forms for legal compliance.
• Coordinate with other attorneys for pro bono victim representation.
• Community outreach.
• Knowledge regarding women’s rights and violence against women (domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking).
• Ability to write and speak persuasively.
• Assist in the development of new training programs.
• Ability to perform creative legal research and advocacy.
• Conduct and attend training.
• Medical accompaniment includes being on the hotline and response schedule.
• Commitment to collaborative multi-cultural work; and the ability to work well with people in diverse settings.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Conduct legal research and participate in agency meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
• Provide accurate and timely statistical reports.

• Management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operation of the court system
• Excellent communication skills
• Assertive, self-motivated and sound judgment skills
• Knowledge of NY statutes, rules of civil procedure, judicial orders, and police procedures
• Knowledge of UVISA application process
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Client Management Systems.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred, but not required
• Must have valid driver’s license, have use of car, and be willing to travel within Suffolk County.

• Admitted member in good standing of the New York State Bar required
• 2-4 years of prior relevant legal experience, family law preferred
• Victim Support Services experience preferred
• Minimum 1 year of Management experience
• Extensive understanding of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, crime victimization, trauma, knowledge of victims’ right and remedies, and cultural sensitivity and diversity is required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent public speaking skills, research, writing, analytical skills, organizational, planning and time management skills
• Ability to work independently, cooperatively and under pressure

• Full-Time, Exempt with a requirement to work a minimum of 40 hours per week 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (may need to flex time to accommodate program needs);
• REMOTING IS NOT PERMITTED.
• Benefits: 403b match, generous paid vacation, personal and sick days;
• Indiv…