Wage Theft Protection Attorney

Summary  

 

The Day Laborers Program (DLP) Wage Theft Protection Advocate will assist in strengthening the DLP’s wage theft protection program and activities. The Wage Theft Protection Advocate will participate in various legal program functions, including: (1) initial intake and in-depth evaluation of cases for representation; (2) participation at community legal clinics; and (3) direct representation of day laborer clients in wage theft claims in court and through the Department of Labor. The Wage Theft Protection Advocate will maintain an internal caseload, the size of which is dependent on contractual obligations set by the funder. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

 

1. Conduct initial intakes and perform in-depth evaluation of eligibility for immigration benefits and/or relief from removal and provide accurate and thorough legal advice and Know Your Rights information to potential clients. 

2. Assist clients in managing the process of wage theft claims made in small claims courts in both the Bronx and Yonkers, as well as with the NYS Department of Labor or other labor-related agencies. 

3. Provide direct representation to certain clients, including representation before civil court, Department of Labor, or other labor-related agencies. 

4. Assist with preparation of Deferred Action applications for labor violations in front of USCIS. 

5. Maintain strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders, including funders; state and local social and legal service providers; New York State Department of Labor; U.S. Department of Labor; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); and USCIS, EOIR, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

6. Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining a dashboard of assigned cases, regularly updated case notes, and reporting to partners and stakeholders. 

7. Maintain and update electronic files in Salesforce, internal rosters, as well as physical case files. 

8. Train, mentor and supervise legal interns, legal fellows, and volunteers for work on individual cases, presentations, legal screenings, and related work. 

9. Provide in-house and outreach training, presentations, and workshops, as directed. 

Qualifications 

1. Juris Doctor required. 

2. 1 years’ experience in employment and/or immigration law, including clinical or pro bono experience preferred. 

3. Admission to NY Bar. 

4. Fluency in English and Spanish or other language strongly preferred. 

5. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

6. Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment. 

7. Excellent organizational, project management, and computer skills. 

8. Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, particularly to employment issues and/or immigration. 

9. Ability to travel throughout Westchester and NYC, with particular focus in the Bronx and Yonkers/Southern Westchester area. 

 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

The position requires a willingness to travel to areas specified above, and others, as necessary. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00AM to 5:00PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deadlines or client needs. 

 

Working conditions and physical demands required 

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Travel at least 25% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions. 

• Remain stationary at a workstation, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 75% of the time. 

• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during training and presentations. 

• Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.