Deputy Director, HCRP, Queens

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
abusive lending practices and other predatory threats to homeownership in Queens and throughout
New York. HCRP is developing a Surrogate’s Court practice through which we help families build
and protect intergenerational wealth by ensuring the preservation of family homes and other assets
when a loved one dies. HCRP advocates are leaders in City and State-wide advocacy to expand
rights for homeowners and enhance access to the courts.
The Deputy Director will work with the HCRP Director to manage all aspects of work for a
team that presently consists of one director, six staff attorneys, and two paralegals. The Deputy
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. The Deputy Director will also advocate for
broader policy initiatives expanding homeowner rights.
The Deputy 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 Deputy Director will also be expected to assist with 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.

QLS seeks 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.