Senior Staff Attorney, Family Defense, Bronx

Center For Family Representation•Bronx, NY

About The Position

The Senior Staff Attorney position is designed to create additional professional development opportunities for experienced staff attorneys, going beyond direct client representation and case management. This role also provides supervisory, administrative, and program support to CFR. Candidates should demonstrate strong litigation and client counseling skills, the ability to model best practices, and a willingness and aptitude for leadership and managerial roles. Professional development opportunities include supervising staff and interns, potentially increased training and responsibilities, managing legal internships, assisting in grant management, and collaborating with supervisors and executive staff on strategic planning and practice improvement. Senior staff are expected to exhibit strong problem-solving skills, a commitment to CFR's DEI work, and a desire to contribute to CFR's stewardship and work culture. This includes positive and productive communication with staff at all levels and the ability to implement progressive discipline when necessary. Candidates must also be well-organized to work efficiently and effectively beyond their own caseload.

Requirements

At least three years of experience representing indigent parents in Article 10/TPR family court proceedings and/or in related work within the family regulation system, court systems, or other relevant advocacy roles
Strong programmatic skills
Ability to model best practices
Willingness and aptitude for taking on an additional leadership role at CFR
Well organized in order to work efficiently and effectively beyond their own caseload

Responsibilities

Direct supervision of one to two staff attorneys or law graduates and holding/writing professional development reviews for any directly supervised staff
Back-up to supervisors on writing assignments and case appearances with non-admitted attorneys and/or less experienced attorneys
Back-up to supervisors includes assisting in other CFR offices as needs arise which may include intake and in-court support
Meaningful participation in routine and special supervision meetings
Recruitment and programming for law externs and/or fellows and coordinating assignments of interns and/or fellows
Assistance with training and technical assistance for new and existing staff and for outside participants and professionals
Representing CFR in external policy efforts, including serving on committees, task forces, etc. and helping to inform CFR’s policy priorities
Input and assistance with development efforts
Coordination of special projects/initiatives
Providing second seat opportunities for new and less experienced attorneys, acting as lead attorney with newer attorneys, and second seating on particular cases
Intake/sup-of-the-day supervision in court
Periodically leading Case Practice and Attorney Workgroup meetings
Additional writing, i.e. appeals, practice memos, and development materials
Input and assistance with internal administrative routines and protocols as well as participation in CFR-wide committees and initiatives, including those related to diversity and hiring/recruitment of staff