About Us:
Brooklyn Legal Services, part of Legal Services NYC's Brooklyn Programs, provides high-quality, innovative representation to address the pressing legal needs of Brooklyn's diverse low-income population. BLS focuses on the problems that have the greatest impact on our clients such as preserving affordable and decent housing, maintaining income support, redressing abusive lending and consumer practices, promoting family stability and mitigating the effects of domestic violence, and advocating for the disabled. The Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) assists low-income residents of Brooklyn who seek federal Social Security benefits based on mental and/or physical disabilities.
The DAP Unit assists clients with case development, representation at administrative hearings, appeals, and issues that arise after an award of benefits. We also collaborate with other providers and community partners to develop and implement strategies to remove systemic barriers to disability benefits. The Unit works with people with a wide range of disabilities, including home-bound clients, clients with mental illness and clients with complex treatment schedules. The Unit's highly qualified advocates are experts in assisting clients obtain disability benefits. The Director will work to support the Unit's existing advocacy efforts as well as be responsible for broadening the Unit's work to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities.
LSNYC prides itself on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. As a social justice organization, we are committed to fighting for a workplace that is as diverse, equitable, and inclusive as possible for everyone. Our DEI committee and numerous affinity groups work to foster collegial relationships among staff, and allow staff to explore and advocate for racial justice and anti-oppression growth within our organization and through our legal work. All employees are expected to learn about, seek to understand, and work to realize our DEI goals.
Role and Responsibiltiies:
The Director will be responsible for working with staff to develop and implement a strategic vision for the Unit's work. The Director will also devise creative, high impact advocacy strategies to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities. The Director will supervise the Unit's attorneys and paralegals on a range of litigation including administrative proceedings, appeals and affirmative litigation in State and Federal Court. The Director will also be responsible for strengthening relationships with community partners and elected officials; addressing systemic disability issues; and handling administrative and grant responsibilities. The Director will be expected to work collaboratively with and provide leadership for LSNYC's city-wide disability rights practice. Every supervisor is expected to actively engage in learning and become increasingly skilled in supervision that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Director’s duties will include actively working to advance LSNYC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals.
Experience and Qualifications:
We seek an attorney admitted to the New York State Bar with:
- A demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low income communities and communities of color to advance equity;
- Excellent analytical, written, and communication skills;
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to provide supportivecand consistent supervision to a diverse team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff in a fast paced and high-volume practice;
- Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience;
- Admission to the federal bar or ability to be admitted quickly; and
- Demonstrated expertise in disability law and policy, or experience with complex litigation.
Health Recommendation
All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date Covid-19 vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please write "DAP Director" in the subject line of the email.
Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
BLS offers an excellent benefits package and highly competitive public interest salary. We offer excellent benefits, including health, dental, and vision plans; contributions to a 403(b) plan; and generous leave time. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Brooklyn Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer: people of color; women; people with disabilities; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people; and people over the age of 40 are welcome and encouraged to apply. We are committed to race, gender, and economic justice in our work and within our workplace. Staff members who are not managers are members of the LSSA/NOLSW UAW Local 2320.
Additional information about the practice may be found on our website, www.legalservicsnyc.org.
SALARY RANGE: 112,134 - $168,201