Newark’s Office of Tenant Legal Services (OTLS) is seeking to hire one to two, full-time staff attorneys who will provide defense services to Newark tenants facing the threat of eviction. Candidates should be dedicated to this type of work as well as social justice issues.
ABOUT THE OTLS
The City of Newark’s Office of Tenant Legal Services (OTLS) is a legal resource established by Mayor Ras J. Baraka for Newark tenants of low-income facing the threat of eviction. The first government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey, the OTLS has provided legal services to nearly 1,400 tenant households and nearly 5,000 individuals since its inception in 2019. OTLS seeks to ensure that all Newark tenants of low income have access to justice and affordable, decent housing — which we believe is a human right.
PRIMARY STAFF-ATTORNEY DUTIES
- Participate in daily, client intake.
- Explain to clients the nature of their cases and provide them with confidential legal advice.
- Represent clients in eviction cases and occasional Special-Civil Part cases.
- Give clients legal advice on how to fight for necessary repairs to their rental housing.
- Help ensure, when necessary, that the clients’ rent is calculated correctly.
- Help organize and participate in eviction-defense workshops and town halls.
COMPENSATION
Salary is competitive.
HOW TO APPLY
If you or someone you know is interested in a staff-attorney position with the OTLS, then please email a resume to the following:
Khabirah H. Myers, Esq.
Coordinator — Office of Tenant Legal Services
(Note that these positions will be direct hires; no RFQ/RFP involved.)