Litigation Trainer (Short-term), Preserving Affordable Housing Program

Since 1968, Brooklyn A has provided free legal services for low-income residents of Brooklyn, pursuing neighborhood-based mission of justice, empowerment, and community development. For over half a century, we have utilized an array of legal and advocacy strategies—community organizing, affirmative civil rights litigation, and eviction defense to defend the rights of individuals and families. Collaboration with the city, state, and federal officials to enforce housing laws and develop legislative solutions is also an integral part of our strategy.  Brooklyn A has three core programs—Preserving Affordable Housing (PAH) Program, Consumer & Economic Advocacy (CEA) Program, and Community & Economic Development (CED) Program—each of which has unique initiatives and plays a vital community role to ensure basic needs are met and fundamental rights affirmed.

Brooklyn A seeks a Litigation Trainer will develop and facilitate training programs for program staff attorneys with a focus on housing/tenant law. They will ensure that staff attorneys receive the necessary training to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed as litigators in housing court. This is a temporary full-time position ending June 30, 2024 with possible extension. 

Essential job responsibilities for the Litigation Trainer:

• Develop and facilitate training programs on processes, procedures, policies, and best practices for PAH staff attorneys using both classroom and virtual delivery methods;
• Provide feedback and coaching to staff attorneys to help them improve their performance and achieve their goals;
• Partner with the Chief Legal Officer and Program Director to on the development of training programs and content;
• Develop assessment criteria and feedback surveys to ensure training meets program goals;
• Stay up to date with legal industry trends and developments to ensure that training programs are relevant and effective;
• Maintain accurate records of training activities and participant progress;
• Maintain knowledge of BKA process, procedures, software, policies, and best practices; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Experience developing training curriculum to include measurement and evaluation modules and instructing relative materials;
• Deep knowledge of legal processes, procedures, and best practices;
• Knowledge of New York City and State housing laws and rules;
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to deliver engaging training programs;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Strong organizational and time management skills; and
• Demonstrated ability to interact with client/tenants of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Thorough commitment to Brooklyn A’s mission.

Education and Experience:

• Admission to the bar of the State of New York or eligible for admission;
• Minimum 10 years’ experience litigation experience working in New York civil and/or Federal, or other relevant public interest litigation; housing law preferable;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with clients in the nonprofit sector, low-income communities, community organizations and/or coalitions; and
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the legal industry, including experience as a trainer

How to apply:

If you are interested in this position, you must submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why your experiences would make you a good fit for this role. This Brooklyn-based position is hybrid -- in-office 3 days/remote work 2 days.  There may be a need to work some nights and weekends which would be coordinated in advance. 

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary $85,000 - $100,000 dependent on years of experience. Benefits highlights - 27 days vacation; employer paid health, dental and vision insurance; employer contribution to 401(k); and paid parental leave. 

Brooklyn A is a diverse team that is committed to recruiting, supporting, retaining, and promoting a talented staff with diverse backgrounds and experiences that share the organization's commitment to racial, economic and social justice. At Brooklyn A, diversity encompasses a variety of characteristics, lifestyles, and perspectives, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, education, disability, socio-economic status, and family status. We firmly believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is essential to both the quality of our client services and the personal satisfaction of our staff. 

We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, people from low-income backgrounds, and with lived experiences in the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical disability, or length of time spent unemployed.