Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW  

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is one of New York City’s leading organizations supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. For more than 40 years, URI has provided life-saving services through a network of shelters and programs designed to help survivors achieve safety, stability, and independence. 

URI’s Legal Services program plays a critical role in helping survivors navigate complex legal systems while addressing the many barriers that can stand in the way of long-term safety. Working in close partnership with advocates, social workers, and financial empowerment specialists, URI attorneys provide holistic, survivor-centered legal representation to individuals and families residing in URI shelters throughout New York City. 

Through direct representation, advocacy, policy engagement, and collaboration with city and state partners, URI’s legal team is committed to expanding access to justice and advancing innovative approaches to supporting survivors.

Salary: $78,000-$85,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Legal Services, the Consumer Law Staff Attorney will provide civil legal services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence residing in URI shelters, with a particular focus on financial advocacy and economic justice. Survivors frequently face complex financial abuse, including coerced debt, identity theft, and fraud, which can create long-term barriers to safety and independence. 

This is an exciting opportunity to help expand a growing area of advocacy for survivors in New York City. The Staff Attorney will collaborate with city and state partners through the newly created Economic Justice for Survivors Collective, an emerging initiative focused on implementing New York State’s new Coerced Debt Law. 

Through both direct representation and broader advocacy, the attorney will play an important role in helping survivors rebuild financial stability while contributing to innovative citywide efforts to address economic abuse. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct representation, pro se assistance, and financial advocacy in consumer law matters related to identity theft, fraud, and coerced debt.


• Assist survivors with credit report review, debt assessment, rent arrears issues, lease termination, and negotiations in consumer debt cases brought by creditors in civil court.


• Support and facilitate consumer rights workshops for URI staff and shelter residents.


• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and organizational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. degree and admission to the New York State Bar, in good standing.


• At least 1–3 years of civil legal services experience, representing survivors of domestic violence in relevant areas such as family, immigration, housing, or consumer law.


• Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, particularly those from marginalized communities.


• Experience working in diverse environments and contributing to a workplace culture that promotes professionalism, respect, equity, and inclusion.


• Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.