Staff Attorney Foreclosure Unit, CAMBA Legal Services (CLS) Housing in Brooklyn, New York at CAMBA

Who We Are: CAMBA is a community of staff, volunteers, clients, donors, neighbors and partners who work together to build an inclusive New York City, where all children and adults have access to the resources and supports, they need to thrive. We take a comprehensive approach by offering more than 180 integrated programs in: Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Job Training & Employment Support Services, Health, Housing, and Legal Services. We reach almost 80,000 individuals and families, including almost 13,000 youth. CAMBA serves a diverse cross section of New Yorkers from new mothers in Brownsville to job seekers in the Rockaways. More than half of our clients are immigrants and refugees from around the globe. Over 85% of our families are living in poverty, reflecting the challenges faced by nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers today.

CAMBA Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) is the legal services arm of CAMBA, Inc. CLS provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers in the areas of consumer law, foreclosure prevention, immigration, housing law, and domestic violence assistance. In addition to providing direct representation and providing legal advice and counsel to thousands of clients, CAMBA attorneys also engage in legislative advocacy, impact litigation in both state and federal court, provide community education and offer expert training on a wide range of issues, services that allow members of our community to improve their lives. CAMBA Legal Services – Foreclosure provides legal advice, advocacy and foreclosure prevention and mortgage counseling to Brooklyn homeowners in owner-occupied 1-4 family homes that are at risk of foreclosure.

Position: Staff Attorney – Foreclosure Unit

Reports To: Supervisor

Location: 20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn NY

What does the Staff Attorney do:

• Provide legal counsel and representation to clients facing foreclosure proceedings.

• Advocate for clients in negotiations with lenders, mortgage servicers, and courts.

• Conduct client intake and assessment of client cases.

• Assist clients in exploring foreclosure-prevention options, such as loan modifications, refinancing, or government programs.

• Interview clients and witnesses, as appropriate, in preparation for litigation and/or court proceedings.

• Prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, negotiate Payouts, etc. in housing proceedings.

• Advise clients of their rights, laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to their case.

• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to institute legal action on clients’ behalf.

• Develop legal strategies, arguments, and testimonies in preparation for presentation of cases for trials, hearings, and oral arguments.

• Prepare and file legal documents related to foreclosure cases.

• File motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memos, and appeals with court clerks.

• Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations as they relate to clients' cases.

• Coordinate follow up advocacy with lenders, agencies providing financial assistance, etc.

• Ensure paralegals conduct proper follow-up with all aspects of cases (i.e. – proper filing and service of court documents, follow-up with administrative and social agencies).

• Coordinate with other attorneys to ensure case/ intake coverage.

• Provide legal seminars and workshops for various organizations.

• Attend appropriate training.

• Stay informed about changes in foreclosure laws and regulations.

• Provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual report.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive client files including up to date case note documentation.

• Participate in and coordinate with other housing, foreclosure prevention and consumer advocates.

• Record all court dates in the shared court calendar.

• Assists with billing cases, including completing billable hour forms and corresponding affidavits.

• Collaborate with attorneys and paralegals to effectively manage and advance foreclosure matters

• Research and analyze legal sources, including statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, and other relevant authorities.

• Conducts community and client outreach.

• Delivers or directs the delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to an action.

• Follows up with clients and other organizations regarding clients’ progress toward their legal goals.

• Recommends and implements strategies to encourage and support clients’ full participation in their legal matters and processes.

• Advocates on behalf of clients when applications or benefits are denied, including preparing advocacy letters and other necessary documentation.

• Tasks may be modified, expanded, or reassigned as organizational needs evolve.

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

• Admitted to practice law in New York State and in good standing with the New York State Bar.

Minimum Experiences and Skills Required:

• Knowledge of, and experience in, civil litigation required.

• Demonstrated commitment to public interest work.

• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations.

• Excellent negotiation and client advocacy skills.

• Excellent written & verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Strong Computer literacy in other Microsoft Office Suite products.

• Demonstrated professionalism and ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of, and experience in, Foreclosure law preferred

• Ability to converse with clients in a language other than English preferred (Haitian-Creole, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Urdu etc.)

CAMBA’S Specific Competencies:

Organization:

• Manages multiple projects

• Determines project urgency in a practical way; uses goals to guide actions.

• Creates detailed action plans.

• Organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.

Confidentiality:

• Remains sensitive to Human Resource issues and maintains confidentiality, neutrality and objectivity as appropriate.

Compensation: 87,637-$139,665 annually

Status: Full-time (35 hours weekly)

Benefits: CAMBA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time), and paid holidays.

CAMBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. People of color, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, marital or veteran status, pregnancy status or sexual orientation.