**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** (BxD) is seeking a Complex Litigation Supervising Attorney to join our innovative, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx. We are looking for passionate attorneys with a commitment to public defense to join our Family Defense Practice and help us continue to transform the legal system.
Organization Overview:
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** is a non-profit public defender organization that is radically changing how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system. We have a staff of over 400 interdisciplinary team members, including criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators. Together, we provide holistic advocacy to address the root causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for our clients.
Position Overview:
The Complex Litigation Supervising Attorney will report directly to the Director of Complex Litigation and will carry a reduced caseload while supervising attorneys representing parents and caregivers in complex family defense cases. This includes cases involving medically complex allegations and in some cases, the death of a child. The attorney will also provide direct representation to parents in abuse and neglect cases, as well as litigation support and mentorship to junior attorneys.
Responsibilities:
Direct Representation:
- Zealously represent parents in abuse and neglect cases, as well as any concurrent matters such as custody, visitation, and termination of parental rights - Litigate legal matters in hearings and trials, both orally and in writing - 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 social workers, parent advocates, and other attorneys to address enmeshed issues that arise in other venues - Provide mentorship and co-counsel support to junior attorneys - Supervise and train interns and externs - Participate in hiring and recruitment as requested
Complex Litigation:
- Zealously represent parents in complex cases involving allegations of physical abuse and/or complex medical findings - Litigate every stage of abuse cases, including filing motions, preparing defense experts and lay witnesses, conducting investigations, and reviewing and digesting documentary evidence - Supervise and co-counsel with staff attorneys assigned to complex cases - Review written work of supervisees and provide constructive feedback - Co-counsel complex medical cases with other attorneys, including those from external organizations and firms - Consult on cases involving physical abuse or complex medical issues - Collaborate with social workers and advocates throughout the duration of legal cases - Participate in an intake rotation to be available for consultation or appearance when a complex case is filed - Lead internal and external trainings on litigating complex medical cases - Contribute to the creation of an internal resource bank for complex cases - Identify systemic legal issues and collaborate with our policy, legal, and impact litigation departments to address them
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school - Minimum of three years working as an attorney on family defense litigation - Previous experience litigating medically complex matters or relevant complex matters as counsel or co-counsel
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to directly defending parents charged with abuse and/or neglect, a genuine interest and commitment to learning about medically complex issues and litigation, and experience working with marginalized communities. The ability to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds, work well independently and collaboratively, and exercise excellent judgment and discretion are also essential. Supervisory experience is preferred, but not required.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, with a range of approximately $96,400 - $105,040 for candidates with 3-6 years of directly relevant experience. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) plan with employer contribution, and generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policies.
**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent, and those directly impacted by the legal system, to apply. We value both lived and professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community.
To Apply:
To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter or a video/audio statement. Your cover letter or statement should share why you want to do this work at our office, key experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like us to consider. Applications will be accepted through November 22, 2024. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Emma Ketteringham, Managing Director of the Family Defense Practice, at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***.
