STAFF ATTORNEY

ABOUT THE POSITION

Day One seeks a dynamic and creative Staff Attorney to join our direct services team, delivering legal services and training related to teen dating violence and the law. Day One’s Legal Team is the only legal department in the nation that dedicates their resources to legal representation of survivors of intimate partner violence, aged 24 and under. The legal team advocates in court and with government agencies for clients who have experienced intimate partner violence; trains community members and coalitions on IPV, especially as it relates to youth, tech-facilitated abuse, and LGBTQ+ young people; and helps inform policy that impacts our clients by being active participants in coalitions and task forces at the city, state, and federal levels.

The Staff Attorney will advocate for young survivors of intimate partner violence and provide advocacy, advice, and direct representation. Candidates should have strong communication and collaboration skills and should work equally well with young people, community leaders, social service providers, and volunteers. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. This is a hybrid position, with a minimum of 1-2 days a week in the office at this time. Additional days may be required to attend meetings and court-related appearances.

ABOUT DAY ONE

Since 2003, Day One has devoted its full resources to preventing intimate partner and sexual violence (IPSV) among young people. Day One partners with New York City youth to end IPSV through a combination of preventive and direct services. Our multi-disciplinary approach brings together a highly collaborative staff with expertise in legal and social services, prevention education, and youth leadership development. Serving New York City youth up to 24 years of age, our Direct Services Program provides direct legal representation, advice and information, individual and group counseling, and case management services to survivors. 

Day One recognizes that anti-violence work is emotionally demanding and professionally complex. We strive to create an office culture that invests in the wellness of staff and leads to employee sustainability. Office policies are designed to promote healthful practices and establish a supportive and collaborative environment for and among staff.

 Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Represent clients in New York City Family Court and the Integrated Domestic Violence Courts (IDV) in cases including orders of protection, custody, visitation, child support, and special findings orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status 
• Assist clients with IPV-related immigration issues, including VAWA and U Visa applications. 
• Advocate for young survivors of IPV with law enforcement, housing, immigration, education, and public benefits officials 
• Collaborate with Day One’s social service providers to deliver holistic services to clients
• Develop and conduct trainings for lawyers, law enforcement, judges, other professionals, and community members.
• Coordinate community outreach and awareness activities related to teen relationship abuse
• Represent Day One at meetings, conferences, IPV-related coalitions, and panels, and forge collaborations with other community-based organizations
• Participate in policy and program development to reduce IPV among youth, maintain high-quality services, and design innovative programming for youth
• Develop educational materials for teens, young adults, and professionals who work with youth
• Help complete grant reporting and data collection
• Perform any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by leadership.

Requirements and Qualifications

• JD and admission to the New York State Bar
• One to two years of legal experience working in Family Court and with youth/survivors of IPV OR representing clients in affirmative immigration applications before USCIS 
• Respect for young people and commitment to implementing youth-empowerment programming
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is strongly preferred
• Experience with MS Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM databases is desirable.
• A high sense of integrity, responsibility, and initiative 
• Exceptional research, writing, organizational, and communication skills 
• Creativity, energy, and a sense of humor
• Enthusiasm for Day One’s mission and an ability to think outside the box
• Ability to work creatively in independent and collaborative settings
• Background working with individuals in crisis, indigent communities and/or diverse groups of people
• Experience and demonstrated interest in working with youth, people who have experienced dating and sexual violence, immigrants, students, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+
• Knowledge of additional areas of relevant law including education law, housing law, child protective proceedings or public benefits a plus