Staff Attorney

The Children's Law Center; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated staff attorney to represent children in various legal matters. This role involves zealous advocacy, collaboration with diverse teams, and maintaining high standards of client service. The position offers a supportive environment that emphasizes professional growth and a commitment to public interest. Candidates will engage in meaningful work, advocating for vulnerable populations while ensuring comprehensive legal representation. If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and possess a strong legal background, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Growth Opportunities

Federal Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Qualifications

• Strong advocacy and mediation skills required.
• Effective communication and organizational skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews and handle court appearances.
• Analyze legal issues and develop strategies for cases.

Skills

Advocacy

Cultural Competence

Mediation

Interviewing

Effective Communication

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Judgment

Discretion

Education

Admitted to practice law in New York State

Job description

About the Organization
The Children's Law Center (CLC) is a non-profit legal services organization that represents children in custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, family offense, and related child protective (abuse or neglect) proceedings in the Family Courts and the Integrated Domestic Violence Parts of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and in appeals therefrom. CLC represents approximately 5,000 children annually in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, providing holistic and zealous representation and support in the Court, the community and the legislature. CLC's mission is to empower our clients, prevent trauma and promote wellbeing.

Job description

Under the leadership of the Borough Director, the staff attorney will work to effectuate the mission of CLC. The staff attorney will ensure that CLC maintains high standards of representation and client services. In collaboration with paralegals, social workers and a writing unit, staff attorneys maintain their own caseloads, taking responsibility for zealous representation from intake through trial.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as requested.
• Conduct interviews with clients and other individuals;
• Handle court appearances;
• Subpoena or otherwise obtain all necessary documentation in order to prepare cases;
• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized case files on case management system;
• Regularly handle intake, comprehensively prepare cases for conference, negotiation or trial;
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy and facilitate its implementation;
• Properly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a case;
• Explore alternatives to litigation and negotiate the best possible resolution for clients;
• Collaborate with the Writing, Social Work, Paralegal and Client Services teams to best represent CLC clients;
• Communicate with the Court, opposing counsel, and others in a timely manner, as necessary;
• Maintain ethical standards of practice;
• Regularly and appropriately respond to client, community and staff concerns;
• Attend training sessions pertinent to practice;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Key Qualifications and Competencies

• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Demonstrated skills in advocacy, cultural competence, mediation and interviewing
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy
• Preference for knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence, and child welfare
• Demonstrated experience teaming with colleagues to find solutions to complex situations
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue learning new skills and grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and able to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information;
• Desire to work in a busy organization that represents children.

Salary Requirements

The expected salary range for this position ranges from $76,500 – $128,520 annually. Salary offers, pursuant to the CLC Collective Bargaining Agreement, are based on the number of years employed in a legal position including performed work analogous to the practice of law.

Benefits

At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing. Our offerings include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan including employer contribution and match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and balanced work environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As an employee of The Children’s Law Center, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Hybrid Schedule

This position currently requires the individual’s physical presence in court at the discretion of the presiding Jurist and a minimum of two days per week in person at CLC’s offices in New York City.

As an employee of The Children’s Law Center, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Children's Law Center is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.

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