Tenant Defense Law Graduate/ Staff Attorney - 4726

Organization Overview:

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger Bronx community. In all aspects of our work, BronxWorks strives for the highest ethical and performance standards. We are guided by the belief that people must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their present situation or past experiences. We have over 62 locations throughout the Bronx providing a variety of programs that assist in the areas of family, children and youth support, educational services, senior services, homelessness, financial empowerment, and workforce development, among others. With over 50 years of experience supporting Bronx communities, we are an employer of choice for those seeking a meaningful career in the civil legal services, using law to protect housing and strengthen communities.

BronxWorks Legal Services – Tenant Defense Program

The BronxWorks model aims to break the cycle of poverty through a holistic approach, helping individuals and families transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. A key component of this continuum of support is BronxWorks Legal Services, which provides free legal assistance to those facing eviction, seeking immigration stability, and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.

The BronxWorks Legal Services Department is committed to advancing housing justice through an anti-racist lens, recognizing that systemic racism shapes housing policy, access, and outcomes. Our attorneys work to challenge inequities in the legal system and ensure our clients’ rights are fully protected.

Within BronxWorks Legal Services, the Tenant Defense Program plays a vital role in securing housing stability for low-income tenants. The program supports New York City’s groundbreaking Universal Access to Counsel initiative, which strives to ensure low-income tenants the right to full legal representation in eviction proceedings.

Fall 2025 Tenant Defense Law Graduates & Staff Attorneys – BronxWorks (Right to Counsel)

Be part of something new. Be part of something big. Help us shape the future of housing justice in the Bronx.

BronxWorks is seeking passionate law graduates (July 2025 bar takers) and newly admitted attorneys to join our Fall 2025 class of Tenant Defense Program attorneys. This is an opportunity to step straight into the courtroom, develop top-tier litigation skills, and make a tangible difference for Bronx families facing eviction.

About BronxWorks and the Tenant Defense Program:

BronxWorks has served the Bronx community for over 50 years, tackling issues that impact our neighbors’ stability and well-being. In July 2024, BronxWorks became one of New York City’s newest Right to Counsel providers, expanding our Legal Services Department to ensure low-income tenants have the representation they need to fight displacement.

In less than a year, our rapidly growing program has already made a measurable impact—helping families remain in their homes, stopping evictions, and securing safe transitions when relocation is unavoidable. Now, we are building out our team to meet rising demand for housing defense in the Bronx.

A Brand-New Home for a Growing Practice:

To match our growth, we have opened a new, modern office space designed specifically for the Tenant Defense Program. Located in a prime spot near Bronx Housing Court and Yankee Stadium, the office is bright, comfortable, and fully equipped to support vigorous advocacy and client-centered work. It provides the perfect foundation for a fast-moving litigation practice and a strong, collaborative team culture.

What We Offer:

Immediate courtroom experience: Represent tenants from your first day, conducting intakes, arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and potentially handling hearings and trials.

A chance to help build a program from the ground up: Your voice and ideas will help shape a new Right to Counsel practice in NYC.

Impactful legal work: Protect families from eviction, secure access to vital subsidies, and keep communities together.

Mentorship and professional development: Learn housing law litigation from experienced supervisors committed to your growth.

Key Responsibilities

Must attend and actively participate in all weekly unit meetings in-person to ensure collaboration, case coordination, and alignment on program goals

Provide comprehensive legal representation to tenants referred to BronxWorks through the Universal Access to Counsel initiative and other referral sources.

Litigate in various forums including housing court, appellate courts, and administrative tribunals, including NYCHA tenancy termination proceedings and housing benefits hearings.

Provide full legal representation, including: counsel clients on all available legal defenses and strategies, regularly communicate with clients to ensure they are informed on all pertinent information about their case, negotiate with outside counsel, engage in motion practice, present oral arguments at hearings and court conferences, conduct discovery and depositions, prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings and trials, and advocate with government agencies and external providers on clients’ behalf.

Develop and apply expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits to secure the best possible client outcomes.

Participate in court-based intake processes and conduct intakes.

Engage in client and community outreach and education initiatives.

In-person work is an essential function of this position and may include, but is not limited to, intake, court appearances, client meetings, conferences, CLEs, community outreach events with elected officials, and Know Your Rights trainings.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

A J.D. from an accredited law school, and either a July 2025 bar exam taker or attorney admitted to practice in New York State, or an attorney who has recently passed the NY Bar Exam or its equivalent.

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.

Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.

Excellent legal research, oral and written advocacy, and analytical skills.

Strong time management and organizational skills including the ability to manage a diverse, high-volume and fast-paced caseload generated by a universal access to counsel intake system where clients are legally entitled to representation.

Plus Factors

Litigation experience, including that gained through law school clinics, internships, and externships.

Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy.

Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or another relevant language other than English is preferred.

BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff, and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact hrbenefits@bronxworks.org.