Assigned Counsel Program Managing Attorney - Part-Time

Otsego County•Cooperstown, NY

About The Position

The Managing Attorney administers the Otsego County Assigned Counsel Program and ensures it provides quality representation to eligible clients in compliance with standards established by the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services (OILS). The position oversees and supervises program services and attorneys, including services provided through contracts or inter-municipal agreements with other counties or entities. The Managing Attorney may not be assigned to or accept cases under the program while serving in this position. The role develops and implements program plans, policies, and procedures; directs daily operations; reviews and approves vouchers; supervises attorney assignments; recruits participating attorneys; and prepares and maintains financial reports and records. It also serves as a liaison among the program, attorneys, agencies, courts, the state, municipalities, and other entities. The Managing Attorney is responsible for reporting on the Hurrell-Harring settlement agreement reforms through OILS. Work is performed under OILS guidelines and Article 18-b of County Law. Applicants must be admitted to practice law in New York State and have five years of full-time paid experience practicing law in New York State, including representing clients in county court, family court, and justice courts. A certificate of good standing is required before appointment. A valid New York State driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required at appointment and must be maintained during employment. The incumbent must reside in Otsego or Delaware County, or a contiguous county, and maintain that residency throughout the appointment.

Requirements

Admission to practice law in the State of New York.
Five years of full-time paid experience practicing law in New York State, including experience representing clients in county court, family court, and justice courts.
Certificate of good standing required prior to appointment.
Valid New York State driver’s license and acceptable driving record required at appointment and throughout employment.
Residency in Otsego or Delaware County, or a contiguous county, maintained throughout the appointment.
Thorough knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, including County Law 18-b, and NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services initiatives.
Thorough knowledge of local government structure, interdepartmental and interagency relationships, and justice systems.
Good knowledge of court procedures and practices.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to maintain and prepare accurate financial and statistical records and reports.
Ability to be tactful and resourceful and to exercise integrity and excellent judgment.

Responsibilities

Administers the regional Assigned Counsel Program.
Develops policies and procedures and implements them for the voucher system.
Reviews and approves vouchers.
Recruits attorneys to participate in the Assigned Counsel Program.
Monitors grant expenditures and ensures funds are used properly.
Builds and maintains working relationships with the justice system at every court level.
Prepares quarterly and annual reports and budgets, along with other required or requested reports.
Supervises attorney assignments and provides guidance and assistance as needed.
Assigns participating attorneys to specific cases at the courts’ request.
Provides training and support to assigned counsel.
Teaches, instructs, advises, and explains information about the Assigned Counsel Program.
Establishes priorities, policies, and processes for successful program implementation.
Ensures quality representation in accordance with recognized state standards and guidelines.
Seeks and develops grant funding and other funding sources and ensures compliance with their requirements.
Represents the regional Assigned Counsel Program to counties and state agencies.
Collaborates with public defender offices, bar organizations, and other assigned counsel programs.
Establishes and administers attorney support programs created through OILS grants and contracts, including the second chair and mentor programs.
Develops and monitors program policies, standards, and operating procedures.
Supervises program staff to ensure effective support for assigned counsel.
Reviews and revises client eligibility requirements according to the OILS eligibility system and state guidelines.
Reviews applications for assigned counsel representation and determines eligibility, the nature of legal problems, and their circumstances.
Creates, updates, and distributes how-to information for participating attorneys.
Recommends and implements improvements to the Assigned Counsel Program.
Communicates with Otsego County staff, participating municipalities, state agencies, and current and prospective attorney participants.
Attends meetings and performs related duties as required.