About this role
About the Role Catholic Migration Services' Housing Program provides free legal advice and representation to low-income tenants in Queens, supporting housing rights and access to repairs, eviction defense, rent stabilization matters, and related issues. The role focuses on delivering legal information and, where possible, full representation to tenants, and coordinating with the Housing Organizing team to advance tenant rights. What You'll Do
- Provide free legal advice and representation to eligible tenants in Queens on a range of housing issues, including repairs, harassment, eviction/holdovers, nonpayment defenses, illegal lockouts, DHCR matters, rent reductions, overcharges, MCI challenges, succession rights, lease renewals, and SCRIE/DRIE.
- Conduct one-on-one consultations; assist with or provide full representation in court when possible.
- Engage in Know Your Rights education, tenant associations, and community organizing activities; participate in coalitions and court outreach (Court Watch) to connect tenants with resources and information.
- Work with the Housing Organizing team to mobilize residents, educate on tenants' rights, and support efforts to oppose rent increases at RGB public hearings. What We're Looking For
- Commitment to housing justice and serving low-income tenants; ability to explain complex housing law and rights clearly.
- Interest or experience in legal aid/housing law and willingness to participate in tenant organizing and advocacy efforts.
- Strong communication skills; ability to work with diverse communities and provide translation/interpretation accommodations as needed. Nice to Have
- Multilingual abilities and demonstrated experience communicating with non-English speakers; willingness to assist with Know Your Rights presentations and coalition work.
- Interest in collaborating with coalitions such as LEAP, Right to Counsel NYC Coalition, Stabilizing NYC, and Rent Justice Coalition.