Supervising Senior Attorney, Civil Rights

Empire Justice Center•City of Albany, NY

3d•$113,879 - $119,055•Hybrid

About The Position

Empire Justice Center is seeking a Supervising Senior Attorney for its Civil Rights practice group. The role leads and conducts civil rights litigation and impact cases, with a focus on disability, LGBTQ, and special education, and collaborates with practice group attorneys and external partners to advance civil rights in New York. The attorney provides legal supervision, mentorship, and training to attorneys and paralegals and contributes to the organization's strategic vision to expand access to justice for low-income New Yorkers. The position maintains a broad civil rights caseload while identifying systemic issues and developing opportunities for impact litigation and class actions. It also represents the organization in coalitions, bar association activities, and community settings; supports staff development and organizational planning; and handles administrative and other duties as needed. The role requires effective use of legal technology and secure handling of sensitive client information. Travel to and work in the Albany or Rochester Telesca Center office is required as needed to meet client and organizational needs. The position is eligible for a hybrid work request under the organization's policy. The role offers a flexible 35-hour full-time work week.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or equivalent degrees from countries outside the U.S.
Admission to practice law in New York, or eligibility for admission to the New York Bar at the time of hiring; admission is required within one year of hire.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant litigation experience, including substantial experience in complex civil litigation.
Experience practicing in New York state courts and federal courts, including U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and/or Western Districts of New York.
Demonstrated commitment to expanding the rights of low-income people and advancing social justice through individual and systemic litigation.
Commitment to advancing the civil rights of low-income and marginalized individuals and experience and commitment working with marginalized communities.
Experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff in a litigation context.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, e-discovery platforms, legal research databases, document management systems, artificial intelligence tools, and litigation support software.
Ability and willingness to travel to statewide offices and court locations as necessary and collaborate via video conferencing and remote communication tools.
Litigation experience covering all stages, including 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 and the ability to lead, motivate, and develop attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff.
Ability to generate creative litigation strategies and identify systemic legal issues appropriate for impact litigation.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to build and maintain partnerships with co-workers, co-counsel, clients, community organizations, and advocacy partners.
Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Commitment to client-centered advocacy.
Proficiency using Adobe and other document management systems, with the ability to schedule appointments, manage calendars and documents, and support collaborative workflows.

Nice To Haves

Experience in appellate practice before the Second Circuit or New York appellate courts.

Responsibilities

Supervise and provide feedback on attorneys', paralegals', and interns' work product to ensure quality, accuracy, and strategic effectiveness as needed.
Mentor and coach practice group staff, model effective litigation practices, and support professional development.
Collaborate with the Managing Attorney to coordinate and ensure consistent supervision across practice group focus areas.
Independently maintain a broad civil rights caseload, with a focus on disability, education, and LGBTQ litigation.
Identify systemic issues for advocacy 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 and accurate case records, time entries, and outcome data, and supervise others' use of these systems.
Comply with organizational policies and procedures and the New York Rules of Professional Conduct governing litigation, case approval, and attorneys' fees.
Identify and pursue attorneys' fees when available.
Use legal technology tools to improve efficiency and quality in litigation practice, stay current on developments, and contribute and implement ideas for improving organizational technology use.
Maintain data security practices for sensitive client information consistent with organizational policies and professional obligations.
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 trainings and professional development activities.
Work with the assigned supervisor and attend regular supervision meetings, including work plan development and grant deliverable management.
Perform administrative and other support-related duties, and other duties assigned by a supervisor or needed by the organization.