Supervising Attorney, Emergency Response Team (ERT)

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

21h

About The Position

Subject to continued funding and staffing priorities, the City-wide Housing Practice at The Legal Aid Society is seeking Supervising Attorneys to join our brand-new Emergency Response Teams (ERT) in The Bronx Neighborhood Office. Every day across New York City, hundreds of low-income families end up in the various housing courts seeking immediate assistance as they have been evicted or are facing eviction within the next 24 hours. These critical cases require immediate action. Under this program, a team of supervisors, attorneys, and paralegals will operate as an emergency response team to provide representation to these clients. The ERT provides clients with legal and social services, with the dual objectives of preventing the immediate threat of homelessness, and stabilizing families over time to reduce the risk of homelessness in partnership with social services agencies. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to addressing fundamental issues of poverty and justice within a comprehensive civil legal services model of representation. The Supervising Attorneys report to the Director of the Tenant Defense Housing practice for the assigned borough as well as to the Attorney-in-Charge of the City-wide Housing practice. The Supervising Attorneys will be responsible for the smooth and effective running of the Project in the assigned office. The Supervising Attorneys will also coordinate some grant projects, be a mentor to and supervise new and experienced staff and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. The Supervising Attorneys are involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations and work closely with the Director, other Supervising Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Paralegals to train, supervise and mentor staff. The Supervising Attorneys participate in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and are responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar
Minimum of three years of Housing practice
Excellent litigation skills and experience litigating individual and group cases in various forums, including state and federal courts
Demonstrated commitment to addressing fundamental issues of poverty and justice within a comprehensive civil legal services model of representation
Knowledge in various practice areas within civil legal services practice
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
Demonstrated commitment to and experience in public interest law and civil legal services
Demonstrated commitment to policy advocacy and administrative reform
Experience working with vulnerable populations, including but not limited to seniors
Demonstrated leadership ability
Grant-writing and fundraising experience
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice
Ability to work in a collaborative team model

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three years of legal practice preferred
Supervisory, mentoring, and management experience preferred
Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required
Pro bono, government, public service, and academic experience will be considered, but is not required

Responsibilities

Supervise staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers
Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
Maintain a reasonable individual caseload
Develop impact and/or affirmative litigation
Assist with the development, funding, implementation, and reporting of programs
Coordinate intake
Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives within the office
Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
Evaluate office needs and identify necessary resources to address the needs
Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
Prepare and submit necessary grant-reporting paperwork
Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
Foster and encourage teamwork and communication
Reinforce and maintain staff accountability
Train and mentor staff
Evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workload
Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
Represent the Civil Practice and Legal Aid in the community
Conduct community education, training, and outreach and promote the work of the office, the Housing Practice, and the Civil Practice
Conduct off-site intake, including during evening hours as needed
Other duties as assigned