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New York City Bar Association · 1 month ago

Staff Attorney – Consumer Bankruptcy and Education Debt Practice

Midtown Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$75K/yr - $95K/yr

2+ years exp

The New York City Bar Association's City Bar Justice Center seeks a dedicated Staff Attorney for its Consumer Bankruptcy and Education Debt Practice. The role involves advising clients on consumer bankruptcy and student loan debt, conducting legal clinics, and mentoring pro bono attorneys while ensuring access to justice for underserved communities.

Association

No H1B

Responsibilities

Assume primary practice responsibility for clients preparing and filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions pro se (including by drafting and filing pro se chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and other papers); occasionally advise or represent individuals pursuing Chapter 13 bankruptcy relief; and provide individual counseling to student loan borrowers on forgiveness, repayment options, and other legal remedies

Coordinate and conduct monthly bankruptcy clinics in partnership with pro bono attorneys – including by supporting pro bono clinic training, mentorship, and supervision – and oversee our bankruptcy pro bono panel, including conducting intake for referred cases, reaching out to panel members to request representation, and collaborating with them to take on contested matters

Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, industry topics and changes, and sector best practices

Engage community partners for outreach and referrals; create and conduct monthly webinars on consumer bankruptcy, managing student loan debt, or pursuing other consumer finance options; participate in practice sector committees and coalitions; and annually update or produce at least one new pro se guide annually

Co-supervise, with the Project Director, the consumer bankruptcy and education debt project coordinator, as well as any interns, law students, or pro bono volunteers, in managing practice area casework and administrative tasks

Enter clean data and succinct notes into our case management system for each caller/online applicant; assist in data collection, analysis, and grant reporting; help assure the quality of services delivered; and assist in assessing and communicating the impact of our work

Provide other professional legal and administrative support to the Project Director, including by helping to coordinate and occasionally lead team meetings, trainings, and events; coordinate referrals for clients who may need access to other services; and perform other duties and tasks as requested

Qualification

Licensed attorney in New YorkBankruptcy law experienceConsumer debt advocacyLegal judgmentMicrosoft Office 365Legal database proficiencyClient counseling skillsSpanish fluencyTeam collaborationDetail-oriented

Required

Candidates must be attorneys in good standing licensed to practice law in New York

Admission (or readiness for admission) to the Eastern and/or Southern U.S. District Courts in New York

At least two years of relevant practice experience, preferably in bankruptcy, student loan, or consumer debt advocacy, or similarly aligned nonprofit legal services experience

Detail-oriented self-starter with superb legal judgment and a capacity to multi-task

Creative, thoughtful, tech savvy, and has high standards in work quality

Demonstrate a commitment to racial and economic justice and to serving those who struggle with a lack of resources

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to manage a high-volume caseload

Ability to work both independently as well as with a team

Excellent people and client counseling skills, including effectively interacting with members of the public in a respectful and sensitive way

Collegiality and ability to communicate and work collaboratively with other organizational staff as well as pro bono attorneys, funding partners, and judicial and other partners and stakeholders

Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 and legal database platforms

Ability to effectively learn and use ECF, PACER, and specialized bankruptcy and other specialized practice software

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States