Supervising Attorney

Legal Aid Society of Mid New York•Utica, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY) seeks an experienced domestic relations attorney to supervise its Victim Assistance Project, serving survivors of intimate partner violence. The position may be based in either the Utica or Syracuse, New York office and has a 35-hour workweek. The Supervising Attorney leads and mentors a team and oversees matrimonial and family law representation, including divorce, custody and visitation, child support, orders of protection, and related civil matters. The role advances skilled, culturally responsive, trauma-informed advocacy to help survivors and their children achieve safety, stability, and independence. The position combines staff supervision and program administration with an active caseload. It leads holistic representation by identifying connected legal needs—such as housing instability, public benefits, consumer debt, and economic abuse—and coordinating with LASMNY practice areas and community partners. The Supervising Attorney supervises and evaluates attorneys and support staff and ensures compliance with Legal Services Corporation regulations, grant requirements, and organizational policies. LASMNY provides free civil legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney. Its holistic approach addresses interconnected needs involving housing, income, benefits, health, and family stability. The organization serves residents of thirteen Central New York counties through offices in Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton, Oswego, Oneonta, and Watertown, and its Agricultural Worker Project serves farmworkers throughout New York State.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in New York State; attorneys admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission on motion are encouraged to apply.
At least three years of relevant legal experience, including matrimonial or family law litigation experience.
Demonstrated commitment to serving survivors of intimate partner violence and low-income communities.
Excellent written, verbal, and advocacy skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and computerized legal research.
Ability to travel as needed, including to courts and other LASMNY offices.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising attorneys, paralegals, or support staff, including conducting performance evaluations.
Experience representing survivors of intimate partner violence, including in order of protection proceedings.
Training or experience in trauma-informed practice.
Experience delivering holistic or interdisciplinary legal services, including collaboration with social workers, case managers, or domestic violence advocates.
Experience in civil legal services or other public interest practice.
Familiarity with Legal Services Corporation regulations and grant compliance.
Proficiency in languages other than English.

Responsibilities

Supervise attorneys and support staff representing survivors of intimate partner violence in orders of protection, divorce, custody and visitation, child support, and related civil matters.
Manage the team’s caseload by assigning new matters, balancing workloads, and conducting regular case reviews.
Train, mentor, and support staff, fostering professional growth and a supportive, healthy work environment.
Conduct employee performance evaluations and address performance concerns in a timely and effective manner.
Maintain an active caseload, providing advice, negotiation, and litigation services in Family Court, Supreme Court, and Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) parts.
Ensure delivery of culturally responsive, trauma-informed legal services that prioritize client safety and well-being.
Screen clients for related legal needs, including housing, public benefits, consumer debt, and economic abuse, and coordinate with LASMNY practice areas and community partners.
Develop and maintain partnerships with domestic violence service providers, human services agencies, community organizations, courts, and the private bar.
Oversee program administration, including grant reporting, compliance, timekeeping, file maintenance, case management, and accurate recordkeeping.
Conduct community outreach and legal education for survivors, advocates, service providers, and other stakeholders.
Stay current on family law and intimate partner violence developments and maintain required Continuing Legal Education credits.
Protect confidential and sensitive client information and communicate effectively and courteously with clients, colleagues, court personnel, agency staff, and community partners.
Model a respectful, collaborative, and accountable workplace; maintain regular and predictable attendance; and adapt to new technologies and systems.
Comply with Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by a supervisor based on agency needs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and voluntary life insurance.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Employer retirement contributions.
Paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and bereavement leave.
Fourteen paid holidays.
Paid CLE registration, attorney registration fees, and local and New York State bar dues.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Mileage reimbursement and parking.
Relocation assistance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.