Associate Attorney - Family Law Practice, Mount Vernon

JOB OVERVIEW: As the Associate Attorney – Family Law Practice, you will provide trauma-informed legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, helping them to understand and pursue available legal options. You will represent clients in Westchester County Family Courts and Integrated Domestic Violence Courts, conduct emergency and non-emergency legal consultations, and assist with outreach and education programs. As part of MSP’s Center for Legal Services, you will participate in committees and working groups addressing the rights of survivors.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Provide holistic legal representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in family law matters, including orders of protection, child support, paternity, custody, and visitation.
• Conduct all aspects of civil practice, including discovery, motion practice, negotiations, trial preparation, and trials.
• Conduct regular intake, assessment, and referrals on legal matters, including but not limited to matrimonial, housing, benefits, and criminal.
• Engage clients with safety planning and trauma-informed advocacy, including by connecting clients to MSP’s holistic range of supportive services.
• Screen new clients for eligibility and provide immediate advice and counsel upon intake.
• Oversee grants management to ensure that goals, objectives, and reporting requirements are met, including gathering and analyzing service statistics and creating program activity reports.
• Maintain accurate records in client databases.
• Attending and participating in department staff meetings, agency-wide committees, and ongoing training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor and admission to NY State Bar.
• 2 years of post-graduate experience in family court preferred.
• Commitment to serving the public interest with the highest standards of client-centered legal practice.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Experience and enthusiasm for working well with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by the communities we serve is preferred but not required.

MSP employees enjoy a generous health benefits package that includes dental and vision care. Our Financial Savings Plan reflects a commitment to the future well-being of our employees. PTO and self-care are important to us, and we offer a PTO plan that includes vacation, sick time, and personal days.

Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by the communities we serve is preferred but not required.