Juvenile Rights Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2027

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

3d • $86,520 - $157,075

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice (JRP) is seeking to hire entry-level Staff Attorneys and/or Law Graduates eligible to practice pursuant to the Legal Aid Society practice order, to fill openings in several of its trial offices. JRP provides legal representation to children and youth who are before New York City Family Courts on child welfare, PINS (Persons-in-Need-of-Supervision), youth justice, public defense, and termination of parental rights petitions. JRP attorneys practice on inter-disciplinary teams with social workers, paralegals, and investigators.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar or Bar Exam Passage, or Law School Graduate eligible to practice pursuant to the Legal Aid Society practice order
• Commitment to children’s issues and youth justice
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed communities
• Ability to work effectively with children, adolescents, and their family members
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a high-volume practice

Nice To Haves

• 1-3 years legal advocacy and or litigation experience preferred, not required
• Relevant clinical program or work experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in Family Court litigation, including fact-finding, dispositional and post-dispositional hearings
• Conduct direct client representation and institutional assignments including intake and case coverage
• Conduct out-of-court case preparation including interviewing, investigation, document review, and witness preparation
• Draft motions, orders, bills/demands, and other documents
• Counsel and interview clients
• Consult and advocating with service providers
• Identify issues and resources
• Collaborate with colleagues across Juvenile Rights, Civil, and Criminal practice areas
• Seek compliance with court orders, regulatory requirements, and agency policies
• Ensure that the child has a voice in all decisions made about their life
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid vacation
• disability
• life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed