Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap- around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems- change advocacy. Our services are available in 11 locations throughout New York City.

The EMPOWER Staff Attorney provides legal representation, advocacy, and screenings for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The staff attorney works with the EMPOWER team to provide holistic, survivor-centered legal services, and uses a trauma-informed approach to promote clients’ right to self-determination. The staff attorney provides services in a manner that emphasizes safety, respect, and dignity. The staff attorney conducts trainings and community outreach, and collaborates with other agencies to advocate for systematic change.

Job Responsibilities

• Screens, advises, and advocates for clients who are survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking in legal and non-legal fora.
• Represents clients to file affirmative immigration applications and defend against removal in immigration court (as needed).
• Provides criminal justice advocacy and criminal representation in post-conviction relief cases.
• Provides legal representation or appropriate referrals to other civil legal services (as needed).
• Develops and conducts trainings and outreach to judges, law enforcement agencies, service providers, potential clients, community based organizations, and community groups.
• Facilitates clients’ access to intra-agency and external resources.
• Collaborates with EMPOWER Case Manager to administer provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
• Participates in inter-agency conferences and legal/bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas related to the position.
• Represents Sanctuary for Families and the EMPOWER Center at community events.
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.
• Maintains data relating to client services for grant reporting purposes.

Job Qualifications

• J.D. degree required
• Three years relevant experience preferred
• Admission to State Bar, NY state preferred
• Fluency in a Mandarin Chinese or Spanish is required
• Comfortable speaking in public
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Sensitive to issues of cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity with strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills, to provide zealous, skilled, and empathic legal advocacy to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of gender-based oppression and a strong motivation to combat gender-based violence.
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities and navigate complex legal cases.

Other

• *Childcare or lack thereof is a fundamental barrier to survivor’s economic stability, health, healing, and access to justice. As such, it is one of our commitments that all team members dedicate a portion of their time to providing onsite childcare to reduce barriers to accessing services

Apply Here: http://www.Click2apply.net/dj86dsqvvvss8wr4

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