The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice has Law Graduate positions available in the Housing Justice Unit-Tenant Defense for Fall 2027. While awaiting New York Bar admission, Law Graduates will work closely with a Housing Supervisor and within the parameters of the LAS Practice Order. Tenant Defense handles a broad range of individual and group tenant representation at the trial and appellate levels, including holdovers, nonpayment proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation in state and federal courts. The Unit also works with tenant associations, tenant organizers, community-based organizations, partner legal services agencies, and pro bono attorneys.
The deadline to apply is October 14, 2026. Applications are reviewed, and offers are made on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the fall, and if you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email notification during this season.
The application process will include:
- On Campus Interview (OCI), if available, serving as a screening
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES- Client representation and advocacy with city, state, and federal agencies and in court proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation
- Conduct regular courthouse-based and off-site intake, possibly including during evening hours
- Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals, local community-based organizations, and housing advocates
- Advocate for policy changes before legislative, administrative, and judicial bodies to advance the interests of clients
- Represent and promote the work of the office, the Civil Practice, and The Legal Aid Society in the community
- Work collaboratively with other organizations, pro bono lawyers, and partners
- Maintain a full caseload of clients
- Some weekend and night advocacy may be necessary
QUALIFICATIONS Required qualifications: - Current 3L students who will graduate in Spring 2027 and will sit for the New York Bar Exam in July 2027 or its equivalent
- Those participating in post-graduate Fellowships or Clerkships who took the first available bar exam are eligible to apply
- Winter 2027 graduates sitting for the first available New York Bar Exam or its equivalent are also eligible
- Demonstrated commitment to serving historically excluded communities and identifying how race, gender, class and intersectionality impact client outcomes
- Relevant clinical program, internship, or work experience preferred
- Excellent written, analytical, organizational, and oral advocacy skills are required
- Applicants must be creative, flexible, and highly motivated
- Applicants must have the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and manage a high volume of cases
Preferred qualifications: - Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable but not required
You are only eligible for employment if you take the first Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) immediately after graduation and pass either that exam or the one immediately following. You must also take and pass the New York Law Exam (NYLE) and the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), if you have not already done so. We request and strongly encourage you to sit for the first NYLE immediately after graduation, as this will expedite your admission to practice law in New York State. That said, you are permitted to take the NYLE up to one year before or at any time after sitting for the UBE, subject to the application filing deadline in Section 520.12(d) of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law, which requires an applicant for admission to practice law in New York State to file a complete application within three years from the date when the applicant sits for the second day of the UBE.
EXAM POLICY: The Legal Aid Society is committed to creating a supportive environment. If a Law Graduate does not pass either exam, they will be afforded an opportunity to retake the next available exam.
SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
Salary Range: $86,520 - $157,075 The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
Click here to read more about benefits. Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
studentaid.gov hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs WORK AUTHORIZATION All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
HOW TO APPLY All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email TalentAcquisition@legal-aid.org.
