Pro Bono Scholars

LSNYC seeks pro bono scholars for the Spring 2027 to join our housing practice and work in our neighborhood-based offices representing tenants, as part of our work to implement New York City's groundbreaking Right to Counsel law and the anti-displacement work by our Tenant Rights Coalition team focused on working with tenant groups to support communities facing gentrification.. 

LSNYC's housing practice represents low-income tenants in many different settings, including defending tenants in eviction proceedings in housing court, representing tenants in administrative hearings, bringing affirmative litigation, and handling appeals at all levels.

The work of housing practice involves developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits. The pro bono scholars will be expected to perform community outreach and provide legal information, advice, and counsel, both in clinical and informal settings. The attorneys will also be expected to perform trainings for other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups. We are looking for candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants referred to LSNYC through the right to counsel initiative in NYC housing courts, and through other referral sources.
• Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction, and in affirmative cases challenging agencies and actors who threaten New York City residents' ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
• Developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
• Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
• Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
• Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation. 
• Providing trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.

Qualifications:

• Be a participant in the New York State Pro Bono Scholar program.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
• Excellent advocacy, analytic, writing, and leadership skills.
• Strong time management and organization skills including the ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced caseload generated by a “right to counsel” intake where clients may have a legal entitlement to representation.
• Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy is preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or a language other than English that is frequently used by our clients is preferred,