Opportunity Details

Sylvia Rivera Law Project(SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social, and economic justice. SRLP seeks to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. SRLP believes that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence. The Sylvia Rivera Law Project is hiring a Director of Legal Services to support their Direct Services Team in providing zealous advocacy for their clients and communities. The Director of Legal Services will be one of two staff attorney positions in the collective. Both staff attorneys will practice movement lawyering as they ensure members survival needs are met while also using impact litigation to remove barriers and change policy and institutions. The position is full-time offering some remote work along with COVID safety-informed practices. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Provide full robust direct legal services to a caseload of 20 low-income TGNC clients per fiscal year for our Survival and Self Determination Project and Immigrant Justice Project which includes representation in a number of courts and administrative fora, primarily name change courts, Social Security hearings, Fair Hearings, immigration court, Supreme Court, and the Commission on Human Rights. Regularly meet clients in their homes or, when necessary, in hospitals, jails, and prisons. Participate in external coalitions with agencies or advocacy to change policies impacting our low-income, people of color, immigrant and/or incarcerated TGNC community members. Attend weekly co-supervision meetings with staff. Attend weekly case-list meetings with the Direct Services Team. Participate in Anti-Oppression work. Co-direct robust internship and pro bono projects with Movement Building Team. Co-supervise the Director of Litigation and the Director of Client Services to brainstorm and develop impact litigation strategies to remove barriers to TGNC liberation. Work directly with our Director of Client Services to conduct intake clinics as well as return calls, emails, and other inquiries from community members. Skills and Experience Law degree and admission to the New York State Bar. Bar admission in the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York preferred; Consideration for candidates barred in a neighboring Uniform Bar Exam states. At least 3-5 years as an attorney or legal advocate working within immigration law, prisoners rights, civil litigation, and/or administrative law. Bar admission in the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York preferred; Consideration for candidates barred in a neighboring Uniform Bar Exam states.