The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking an experienced lawyer with a deep commitment to public interest practice and policy.
About the Organization
The General Civil Legal Services represents NYC residents across a broad spectrum of specialties through their Economic Equities Team (Community Development Unit, Consumer Law Unit, Predatory Lending and Foreclosure Project, and Tax Law Unit), Education Law Practice, Employment Law Unit, Government Benefits & Disability Advocacy Project, Family Law/DV Unit, Health Law Unit, HIV/AIDS Representation Project (H/ARP), and Helpline/Intake Team.
About the Position
The Attorney-in-Charge of General Civil Legal Services reports to the Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Practice. The Attorney-in-Charge of General Civil Legal Services will be responsible for the smooth and effective running of the Citywide Units. He will also be responsible for oversight of the grants supporting the Citywide Units and will provide legal leadership. The Attorney-in-Charge of General Civil Legal Services participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, courts, and service communities.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supervise and mentor Directors and Supervising Attorneys
- Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
- Coordinate with Law Reform Unit in the development of impact and/or affirmative litigation
- Assist with the fundraising for and development, implementation, and reporting of programs
- With the Director of Intake, assist in streamlining intake (in-person and helpline in the five boroughs including development of systems for internal referrals and tracking
- Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives
- Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
- Evaluate needs and identify necessary resources to address the needs of the Citywide units
- Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
- Provide oversight on all grant reporting from Citywide Units
- Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
- Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
- Represent the Civil Practice and The Legal Aid Society in the community
Essential Requirements
- Minimum of seven years of legal practice with a specialization in one or more of the subject practice areas preferred
- Five or more years of experience supervising and mentoring attorneys
- Capable of working in many different forums
- Knowledge in various practice areas within civil legal services practice
- Excellent litigation skills and experience litigating individual and group cases
- Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
- Demonstrated commitment to and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
- Demonstrated commitment to policy advocacy and administrative reform
- Demonstrated commitment to addressing fundamental issues of poverty and justice within a comprehensive civil legal services model of representation.
- Admission to NYS Bar
- Grant-reporting and fundraising experience preferred
- Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice
- Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
Location
New York
How to Apply?
Submit a cover letter and resume as a PDF and writing sample when you apply via the LAS Recruitment Portal.
