Unit Director Homeowner and Consumer Rights Project

Queens Legal Services seeks a full-time Director for its Homeowner & Consumer Rights Project (HCRP) to start immediately. 

About Us

Founded in 1967, QLS seeks equal access to justice for all low-income residents of Queens through a range of legal advocacy, education, and community partnerships. We provide free legal counseling, representation, and referrals in civil matters involving the essentials of life including housing, public and disability benefits, domestic violence prevention, consumer and homeowner protections, access to education, and employment rights to eligible low-income individuals and families. We work with our clients and partners to identify and address root causes for systemic inequalities in Queens and throughout New York City. 

We provide civil legal services from our office in Jamaica, Queens. We are part of a network of local programs that make up Legal Services NYC, the largest free civil legal services provider in the United States.

The Position 

HCRP’s mission is to engage creative strategies and zealous advocacy in the pursuit of justice for Queens residents. We help homeowners facing foreclosure and other threats to homeownership through litigation, non-litigation advocacy, and community education in an effort to challenge and eradicate abusive lending practices and other predatory threats to homeownership in Queens and throughout New York. We also have a developing Surrogate’s Court practice through which we help families build and protect intergenerational wealth by ensuring that they can preserve their family homes and other assets when a loved one dies. While our primary focus is preserving homeownership, we also assist a limited number of people facing consumer debt collection arising from credit cards, student loans, and nursing home debt. HCRP advocates are leaders in City and State-wide advocacy to expand rights for homeowners and enhance access to the courts. 

The HCRP Director will be responsible for mentoring and managing all aspects of work for a team that presently consists of one deputy director, six staff attorneys, and two paralegals. The Director will support and supervise HCRP advocates in representing clients in all aspects of homeownership preservation, including intake and case assessment, providing limited scope advice, negotiating settlements, and engaging in the full range of litigation, including drafting pleadings and motions, conducting discovery, and arguing appeals. They will also advocate for broader policy initiatives expanding homeowner rights. The Director will be expected to manage multiple projects at once, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and work in close collaboration with QLS leadership to shape the direction of the HCRP, develop and strengthen relationships with partner community-based organizations, and identify systemic trends that could be improved through strategic litigation or broader advocacy.

The Director will also be responsible for managing the administrative aspects of the unit, including grant management and reporting, identifying, and pursuing new funding opportunities, monitoring client intake processes, and managing day-to-day personnel issues. 

We seek a candidate with:

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and license to practice law in New York;

• A demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity;

• Demonstrated experience in foreclosure defense litigation is required. Additional experience in areas such as bankruptcy, consumer justice, fair housing, civil rights, estates matters, and/or economic justice is preferred;

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership, mentorship, or supervisory role is preferred;

• Excellent writing, communication, and oral presentation skills;

• The ability to effectively lead outreach, education, litigation, and team projects;

• Leadership and supervision skills appropriate to lead a team that includes staff attorneys, paralegals and interns;

• A facility working with basic software used in a law office setting, and proficiency in the entire MS Office suite; and

• Enthusiasm for partnering with community-based advocates and organizations.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are more hesitant than others to apply for jobs where they fear they may not fully meet every single qualification listed. While the above list represents the qualities we seek in applicants, we are committed to finding the best candidate for the job. If you are interested in this position and have substantial relevant experience, we encourage you to apply even if you do not fully meet each of the criteria above. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, two recent writing samples, and the names of three references with the Subject Line: “HCRP Director” to jobs@queenslegalservices.org. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

QLS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to race, gender, and economic justice in our work and within our workplace. People of color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people over the age of 40 are welcome and encouraged to apply.

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Job#75_2024; Posted: 08.2024

Salary Range (Based on years’ experience): $132,096 - $198,144