ABOUT US

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 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Attorney for the Orthodox Jewish Matrimonial Initiative, represents Orthodox Jewish survivors of domestic within the five boroughs of New York City in matrimonial and family law matters. The OJMI Staff Attorney advocates for such clients in Supreme Court, Family Court, and Jewish arbitration courts (“Beit Din.”) The OJMI Staff Attorney empowers gender violence victims by providing them with comprehensive, compassionate, holistic legal services through direct representation, community education, outreach, and policy and systems-change advocacy. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represents Orthodox Jewish survivors of domestic violence in Family, Supreme, Religious Courts on issues including: orders of protection, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, matrimonial matters, and enforcement actions
• Provides legal consultations, and advice to pro se clients in related matters and provide referrals to other service providers as needed
• Handles a caseload of both contested and uncontested matters
• Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys;  supports training of junior staff members. 
• Organizes community-based advocacy efforts to effect policy initiatives and systems changes that benefit domestic violence victims within the community 
• Attends and participates in internal and external agency conferences/webinars and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of domestic violence and matrimonial/family law
• Works collaboratively and maintains relationships and partnerships with law firms, law schools, community based organizations, and other agencies to strengthen our practice and increase the visibility of Sanctuary for Families/OJMI in the legal and domestic violence communities
• Collaborates with other entities or organizations serving the Orthodox Jewish community 
• Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces, other political and advocacy committees, and participates in outreach events outside of the agency
• Participates in OJMI Council and collaborates in the organization of its programs
• Tracks client cases through Salesforce case management system.
• Performs related duties or special projects as directed by supervisors

• J.D. and Admission to the New York State Bar
• Up to 4 yrs of legal experience
• Experience working in the gender violence field
• Strong interest in matrimonial/family law 
• Knowledge  of gender-based dynamics within the Orthodox Jewish community and a  strong motivation for social change against gender-based violence
• Ability to build a rapport with Orthodox Jewish clients, legal and social service providers, and Rabbinic leadership
• An  understanding of the Orthodox Jewish communities within the New York  City Metropolitan Area and ability to build networks within those  communities to promote the goals of the OJMI and meet the needs of our  clients
• Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, work collaboratively, problem-solve, prioritize and multitask 
• Ability to effectively collaborate with all staff
• Excellent oral advocacy, communication, research, and writing skills 
• Excellent problem solving, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills, initiative and attention to detail
• Proficiency in LexisNexis Legal Research, Salesforce, Microsoft Office suite
• Knowledge of Hebrew or Yiddish a plus 

Budgeted Salary: $78,0000 - $90,556 annually; Based on experience, pursuant to STEP scale in accordance with collective bargaining agreement

this position is Full-time (35hr/wk), Salaried/Exempt

Work schedule currently Hybrid; may vary by job site; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Benefits:

•     Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
•     Employer-paid life insurance 
•     Employer retirement contribution
•     Paid time off
•     Flex spending account 
•     Student loan assistance
•     Tuition reimbursement program
•     Gym reimbursement program  
•      Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
•      Wellness Program and rewards

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws. Sanctuary for Families follows the requirements of the Human Rights Law including with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

People of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that the safety, healing and self-determination of survivors of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence is at the intersection of racial, gender, economic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and disability justice, as well as many other critical issues. In order to realize our mission, Sanctuary strives to center DEI principles at every level of the organization and continues to deepen that commitment.