Fall 2026 Right to Counsel Staff Attorneys/Law Graduates

Overview

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country, with more than 600 staff across five boroughs, helping hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with community organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our impact and advance equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

LSNYC supports growth and professional development, including through the Justice Learning Center, which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer.

The Opportunity

Fall 2026 Right to Counsel Housing Staff Attorneys and Law Graduates. LSNYC seeks law graduates and/or staff attorneys to join our Fall 2026 class of RTC attorneys as we implement New York City’s Right to Counsel law. Our housing unit engages in cutting-edge litigation in court daily to build tenant power and prevent evictions for tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year.

Start date anticipated: September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and provide full legal representation in housing court proceedings for NYC tenants referred through the Right to Counsel initiative and other referrals.
• Litigate cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on eviction matters and in affirmative litigation challenging agencies affecting affordable housing.
• Develop expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
• Provide legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
• Conduct neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
• Identify trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
• Provide trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission (or admission seeking) to practice law in New York.
• Commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and conduct outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
• Excellent advocacy, analytical, writing, and leadership skills.
• Strong time management and ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced caseload in a Right to Counsel defense practice.
• Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another frequently used client language preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. Salary ranges for September 2026 hires (based on years of experience) are:

• 1-10 years: $88,181 – $113,737
• 11-20 years: $116,338 – $137,347
• 21+ years: $143,685 – $169,852

LSNYC offers an expansive benefits package, including healthcare with low copays (employees pay 1% of annual salary), dental, vision, generous vacation (21 days first year; 28 days/year thereafter), 14 paid holidays, 18 sick days/year, parental leave (about six months on average), fertility treatment coverage, and a Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

All non-managerial staff are part of a union. The position is hybrid, permitting 50% remote work where job duties permit.

About Us

LSNYC fights poverty and strives for racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. We partner with community-based and client-run organizations, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness and to combat discrimination in service of equity.

We promote an inclusive environment where employees can perform at their best, feel valued, and access professional development and leadership opportunities.

Equal Opportunity and Vaccination

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 40, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. All employees are encouraged to stay up-to-date with COVID vaccinations unless unable for medical or religious reasons.

Application Notes

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please, no telephone calls. If you have a borough preference, please indicate it in your application where prompted.