Supervising Attorney for Mental Health, Assigned Counsel Plan
About The Position
The Supervising Attorney for Mental Health provides oversight to 18-B attorneys representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in New York City Criminal and Supreme Courts. Working under the supervision of the Assigned Counsel Plan (ACP) Administrators and with significant latitude for independent judgment, this attorney assists panel attorneys and promotes best practices in cases involving mental health issues. The role also represents the ACP in citywide and statewide mental health initiatives and performs other duties as assigned. The Assigned Counsel Plan, established pursuant to Article 18B of the County Law, has provided legal services to indigent people since 1966. It compensates private attorneys assigned by the court and the Administrator's office when conflicts prevent institutional providers from representing a client. The plan's services are funded by New York City through the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and overseen by the 1st and 2nd Appellate Division Departments. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice advises city leadership on criminal justice policy and develops, implements, and evaluates citywide strategies related to crime reduction, fairness, and public safety.
Requirements
- Admission to the New York State Bar.
- Four years of recent, full-time, responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar.
- At least 18 months of experience supervising other attorneys in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
- Remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal assistance, case consultation, and expert referral guidance to panel attorneys handling cases involving mental health issues.
- Work with other ACP Supervising Attorneys monitoring case activity to ensure attorney adherence to best practices.
- Maintain cooperative and supportive relationships with relevant personnel in state and city agencies and community-based stakeholders.
- Coordinate with ACP Supervising Attorneys for Training to provide CLEs on laws and issues relevant to representing clients with mental health issues.
- Oversee panel attorneys’ participation in problem-solving courts and guide attorneys on how and when to use those courts.
- Instruct attorneys in psychological defenses and provide case law and trial strategies.
- Direct attorneys in effectively employing forensic and mitigation experts.
- Guide attorneys as they navigate CPL 730 and Mental Hygiene Laws.
- Respond to client, community, and staff concerns.
- Represent ACP at citywide and statewide coalition meetings, task forces, and working groups for mental health initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
