Supervising Senior Attorney, Civil Rights

Empire Justice Center•Albany, NY

2d•$113,879 - $119,055•Hybrid

About The Position

Empire Justice Center is a statewide legal services organization serving marginalized, low-income individuals and families across New York through direct representation, impact litigation, legislative advocacy, and training. The Supervising Senior Attorney will lead and conduct civil rights litigation and impact cases, with a focus on disability, LGBTQ, and special education matters, and collaborate with practice group attorneys and external partners to advance civil rights. The role also provides legal supervision, mentorship, and training to attorneys and paralegals, and contributes to the organization’s strategic efforts to expand access to justice for low-income New Yorkers. The position maintains an independent civil rights caseload, identifies systemic issues and opportunities for impact litigation or class actions, and represents the organization in external coalitions, bar activities, and community settings. It also supports staff development, case and grant administration, and effective use of legal technology while protecting sensitive client information. Travel to Albany or Rochester offices, statewide offices, and court locations is required as needed. The position is eligible to request hybrid work under organizational policy. The role has a flexible 35-hour full-time work week. The salary range is $113,879–$119,055. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or equivalent degree from a country outside the United States.
Admission to practice law in New York, or eligibility for admission to the New York Bar at hiring; admission is required within one year of hire.
At least 10 years of relevant litigation experience, including substantial experience in complex civil litigation.
Experience practicing in New York state courts and federal courts, including one or more U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, or Western Districts of New York.
Experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff in a litigation context.
Demonstrated litigation experience across all stages and experience representing clients in state court, federal court, or administrative agency proceedings.
Superior legal writing and research skills, including evaluating complex cases and drafting and editing complex briefs, motions, pleadings, and appellate submissions.
Strong verbal advocacy skills, including the ability to conduct oral arguments in trial and appellate courts.
Effective supervisory and mentorship skills, including the ability to lead, motivate, and develop attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff.
Ability to develop creative litigation strategies and identify systemic issues suitable for impact litigation.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills for working with colleagues, co-counsel, clients, community organizations, and advocacy partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, e-discovery platforms, legal research databases, document management systems, artificial intelligence tools, and litigation support software.
Proficiency with Adobe and other document management systems, including managing appointments, calendars, documents, and collaborative workflows.
Ability and willingness to travel to statewide offices and court locations as necessary, and collaborate using video conferencing and remote communication tools.
Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Commitment to client-centered advocacy and to advancing the rights of low-income and marginalized people.
Comfort and commitment to working with people from marginalized communities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in appellate practice before the Second Circuit or New York appellate courts.
Bilingual skills qualifying for the salary enhancement.

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct civil rights litigation and impact cases, particularly involving disability, education, and LGBTQ rights.
Maintain a broad civil rights caseload and represent clients in litigation.
Supervise and provide feedback on attorneys’, paralegals’, and interns’ work product as needed.
Mentor and coach practice group staff and support their professional development.
Coordinate with the Managing Attorney to support consistent supervision across practice group focus areas.
Identify systemic issues and develop opportunities for impact litigation and class action lawsuits.
Conduct and attend relevant CLEs and community training sessions.
Use Legal Server and other case management systems to maintain complete case records, time entries, and outcome data, and supervise others’ use of these systems.
Comply with organizational policies and the New York Rules of Professional Conduct governing litigation, case approval, and attorneys’ fees.
Identify and pursue attorneys’ fees where available.
Use legal technology tools to improve the efficiency and quality of litigation practice, and contribute ideas for improving organizational technology use.
Maintain data security practices for sensitive client information.
Participate in practice group and staff meetings and organizational planning as appropriate.
Represent Empire Justice Center in external coalitions, bar association activities, and community settings.
Develop and/or participate in staff training and professional development activities.
Work with the assigned supervisor, attend regular supervision meetings, and participate in work-plan development and grant deliverable management.
Perform administrative and support-related duties and other duties as assigned.
Travel to statewide offices and court locations as necessary.