Job Code
224
Department Name
Legal Fund Matrimonial
Reports To
Supervising Attorneys and Director of the Legal Services Fund
FLSA Status
Exempt
Union Code
232
Management
No
About Us:
Building Services 32BJ Benefit Funds (“the Funds”) is the umbrella organization responsible for administering Health, Pension, Retirement Savings, Training, and Legal Services benefits to over 100,000 SEIU 32BJ members. Our mission is to make significant contributions to the lives of our members by providing high quality benefits and services. Through our commitment, we embody five core values: Flexibility, Initiative, Respect, Sustainability, and Teamwork (FIRST). By following our core values, employees are open to different and new ways of doing things, take active steps to improve the organization, create an environment of trust and respect, approach their work with the intent of a positive outcome, and work collaboratively with colleagues.
The Funds oversees and manages $9 billion of dollars in assets, which are made up of many, varied and complex funds. The dollars come from a number of sources, including the property owners who pay into the funds on behalf of their employees, and as such, requires those who oversee and manage the money to be highly skilled financial management people.
For 2025 and beyond, 32BJ Benefit Funds will continue to drive innovation, equity, and technology insights to further help the lives of our hard-working members and their families. We use cutting edge technology such as: M365, Dynamics 365 CRM, Dynamics 365 F&O, Azure, AWS, SQL, Snowflake, QlikView, and more.
Please take a moment to watch our video to learn more about our culture and contributions to our members: youtu.be/hYNdMGLn19A
Job Summary:
The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal advice and representation to eligible 32BJ members and their eligible dependents. Reporting to the Director of the Matrimonial Unit and other Directors, the Staff Attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union’s Legal Services Plan.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide legal representation to members in Matrimonial Law, before courts and related venues
- Meet with clients to determine an appropriate course of action, under the direction of Directors
- Prepare legal pleadings, stipulations, motions and other legal documents
- Write, review and edit documents and correspondence
- Discuss case progress with Directors and provide reports summarizing case status
- Obtain court records
- Maintain ongoing contact with clients, opposing counsel and courts
- Update case files timely, including court notes, correspondence and file records; and complete other physical and ministerial duties as necessary to maintain client files and to comply with office procedures
- Perform legal research
- Train and supervise (work product only) paralegals and support staff
- Be familiar with substantive and procedural law in area of practice
- Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Services Plan
- Safeguard all confidential client materials and information, adhering to privacy laws and internal policies on confidentiality
- Actively participate in regular team meetings, contributing to discussions, sharing insights, and collaborating on projects and case strategies
- Attend member information meetings and other outreach activities as directed by supervisory staff, including occasional travel, to promote the Legal Services Fund and engage with the membership
- Demonstrated technical dexterity, including proficiency with case management software, digital evidence preparation, electronic filing systems, and AI-assisted tools for drafting, summarizing, and document review, consistent with ethical and confidentiality requirements
- Comfort with digital evidence formats (PDF organization, redaction software)
- Competency in virtual practice tools (Teams, Zoom court, online meetings)
- Maintain a professional demeanor, workspace, and appearance as a representative of the Legal Services Fund
Qualifications (Competencies):
- JD and authorization to practice law in NYS required
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred, but not required
- 1 to 3 years experience in Matrimonial Law
Education:
JD and authorization to practice law in NYS required
Language Skills:
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred, but not required
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Under 1/3 of the time: Standing, Walking, Climbing or Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling
- Over 2/3 of the time: Talking or Hearing
- 100% of the time: Using Hands
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree
- Authorization to practice law in New York State
- 1 to 3 years of experience in matrimonial law
- Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency
What We Do
The Building Service 32BJ Benefit Funds is the umbrella organization responsible for administering benefits, including Health, Pension, Retirement Savings, Training and Legal Services benefits to over 100,000 SEIU 32BJ members. SEIU 32BJ is the union representing property service workers, including office cleaners and residential doormen and superintendants, from Connecticut through Florida. Pension The Pension Fund provides retirement security for members and their spouses through a regular monthly pension benefit based on their years of service. Retirement Services The Supplement Retirement Savings Plan (SRSP) strengthens members’ retirement security through self directed retirement accounts funded by both employer contributions and participant savings. Health The Health Fund provides comprehensive, affordable high quality health benefits to members and their families. Training The Training Fund offers more than 100 different courses and seminars, ranging from Green Buildings to English as a Second Language, and everything in-between. Legal The Legal Fund provides legal representation to members, retirees and their dependants in a broad range of matters, including family, immigration, consumer and criminal law. The Benefit Funds’ main office is in New York City, with satellite offices in New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington, DC.
