Job Description
New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a Staff Attorney for the Matrimonial Project with its Domestic Violence Law Unit (DVLU). DVLU is an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and paralegals advocating on behalf of survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in New York City. DVLU provides safety planning, advocacy, advice, and representation to survivors in matrimonial and family law matters (including order of protection, custody/visitation, contested divorce, uncontested divorce, child/spousal support proceedings, and related appellate proceedings), and domestic violence-based immigration applications (including VAWA self-petitions, battered spouse waivers, U visa, T visas, adjustment of status, and related applications).
The Matrimonial Project Staff Attorney will provide safety planning, representation, advice, and advocacy to survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence on contested and uncontested matrimonial matters, ancillary divorce issues (including equitable distribution, maintenance, child/spousal support, custody/visitation, paternity), and order of protection matters. The Staff Attorney will represent clients before multiple venues including Supreme and Family throughout NYC with a focus on Manhattan. They will also assist survivors in submitting compensation claims based on their victimization. DVLU believes that access to trauma-informed, client-centered representation is crucial for our clients' paths towards self-determination, safety, and security, and we are seeking a Staff Attorney that shares and models these values.
The person in this role will collaborate internally across projects and externally with community-based partners, courts, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys, and will work to expand access to services for communities who face disparate obstacles in accessing assistance.

This role reports to the Matrimonial Project Director in the Domestic Violence Law Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive safety planning, as well as representation and consultation to survivors of intimate partner violence in legal matters involving divorce, order of protection, custody/visitation, support, and equitable distribution in Supreme and Family Courts throughout New York City, with a focus on Manhattan;
• Provide representation and consultation for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence on related immigration matters for matrimonial clients;
• Conduct legal screenings, clinics, and outreach, including on-site and in community to expand access to services;
• Attend internal staff meetings and meetings with partner agencies, courts, and funders;
• Participate in relevant internal and external coalitions and task forces to advance survivor justice;
• Mentor legal interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys;
• Conduct educational seminars, trainings, and outreach to communities, partners, advocates, law students, and others on domestic violence and/or matrimonial topics;
• Administrative duties including updating NYLAG case management systems and maintaining and updating files and case notes, as well as assisting in grant reporting as needed;
• Other duties as needed.

This job will require regular travel within New York City, including appearing in court and partner agency sites.

Qualifications

• Admission to New York State Bar required;
• 1-3 years of litigation experience required, experience representing clients in family and/or matrimonial law is strongly preferred;
• 1-3 years of experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence is strongly preferred;
• Fluency in a second language is strongly preferred;
• Excellent litigation and advocacy skills required;
• Significant experience working with survivors of trauma, people experiencing poverty, and underserved communities strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of trauma and advancing gender, racial, and social justice;
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and creatively problem solve;
• Excellent written, oral and analytical skills;
• Excellent organizational skills; and
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.

To be considered, please include a cover letter and resume. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Employment Type:
☒ Full-time

Professional Level:
☒ Entry Level
☒ Professional

Salary Range:
NYLAG is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The current annual salary range for this position is between $87,210-$90,111 which will increase to between $90,262 - $93,265 effective July 1, 2026.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, long term disability, commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent care.

Application Instructions: Please save your resume and cover letter in one pdf.
Covid Vaccination Policy:Please note, to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients, NYLAG requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.

NYLAG is committed to a hybrid work policy for staff whose work does not require their full-time presence in the office. NYLAG's current policy is that most staff are required to work in NYLAG's offices or do other in-person work at least two days each week. This policy is subject to change.