Job Title: Family Defense Practice Legal Director
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience representing parents in cases alleging child abuse and neglect and related proceedings
Salary: $131,240 - $151,760 per year (commensurate with experience)
Overview:
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***., a public defender non-profit, is seeking an experienced Family Defense Attorney to work as the Legal Director of their Family Defense Practice. The organization is committed to transforming the legal system for low-income individuals in the Bronx and is seeking individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join their dynamic and diverse team. The Family Defense Practice provides legal representation and social work support to parents charged with child abuse and neglect, with a focus on reunification and stability for families. Through their integrated team-based structure, the organization has developed a groundbreaking model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for their clients.
Responsibilities:
Direct Representation:
- Zealously represent a reduced number of parents and caregivers in Article 10 cases
- Litigate legal matters in abuse and neglect and related proceedings in hearings and trials in family court
- Effectively communicate and negotiate with judges, caseworkers, attorneys for the child(ren), and representatives of the Administration for Children’s Services on behalf of parents
- Assist parents in accessing appropriate resources and services to restore full parental rights
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address enmeshed issues
- Provide mentorship and support to attorneys in the Family Defense Practice
- Supervise and train interns and externs
Litigation Support:
- Mentor, support, and direct legal representation for parents in the family defense practice
- Provide guidance on litigating novel legal questions
- Draft model motions and practice guidance for attorneys
- Appear in court with attorneys for complex cases or novel legal issues
- Act as a liaison between the legal practice and the Family Court
- Host weekly office hours for attorneys to provide guidance on complex legal issues and cases
- Identify and supervise legal challenges in Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS) and Article 10 cases
- Collaborate with the Appellate Director on appellate cases
Training and Hiring:
- Develop internal and external training materials on legal issues for attorneys and advocates
- Maintain tools for sharing best practices and preserving institutional knowledge
- Participate in hiring and recruitment as necessary
Legal Practice Supervision:
- Supervise the written legal work of attorneys and assist in drafting written submissions and developing legal arguments
- Evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to attorneys
- Demonstrate a commitment to anti-oppression work and support impacted supervisees
- Oversee analysis and litigation of legal conflicts
- Research and respond to ethical issues and complaints
- Mediate and resolve conflicts between attorneys and clients
- Supervise annual updates of legal memoranda by interns
Strategic Visioning:
- Identify and advance litigation and programmatic priorities for the Family Defense Practice
- Collaborate with the Policy Director and Impact Team to address systemic issues in the family policing system
- Meet regularly with attorneys and advocates to identify issues in need of litigation solutions
Programmatic Responsibilities:
- Monitor relevant cases and new laws and inform the practice of developments
- Develop and maintain tools for sharing best practices and preserving institutional knowledge
- Continually improve the practice by identifying patterns and legal issues
- Collaborate with other practices within the organization to address holistic legal challenges
Administrative:
- Ensure the quality and completeness of the family defense practice resource bank
- Assist the Complex Litigation Team with the development of an expert database
- Provide guidance and oversight for maintaining case files and accurate case management
Qualifications:
- Membership in good standing of the New York Bar
- Minimum of ten years of experience representing parents in cases alleging child abuse and neglect and related proceedings
- Commitment to social justice and defending parents charged with abuse and/or neglect
- Passion for family defense and dedication to building a robust holistic legal practice
- Experience working with marginalized communities
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team
- Commitment to fierce advocacy and challenging authority
- Effective research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills
- Supervisory and mentoring skills
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and critical thinking skills
- Willingness to receive feedback and adapt accordingly
- Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
- Commitment to anti-oppression work and raising cultural consciousness
- Experience supervising attorneys is desirable but not required
Salary and Benefits:
- Salary range of $131,240 - $151,760 per year (commensurate with experience)
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policies
- Hybrid work policies in place
- Non-exempt employees are compensated hourly and entitled to overtime, whereas exempt employees are not
Application Process:
- Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2025
- Please apply online and upload a resume and cover letter (or video/audio statement)
- Cover letter or statement should share why you want to work at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***., relevant experiences, and any additional information
- Applications without a cover letter or statement will not be considered
- Contact Nicole Velazquez, Family Defense Practice Deputy Director, with any questions about the position.
