Supervising Senior Attorney, Civil Rights

Empire Justice Center•Rochester, NY

3d•$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 issues, 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 vision for expanding access to justice for low-income New Yorkers. This is a hybrid-eligible position. Travel to and work in the Albany or Rochester Telesca Center office is required as needed to meet client and organizational needs. The organization describes the schedule as a flexible, 35-hour full-time work week. The position includes supervision of other practice group members if needed, as well as administrative and support duties that further the organization’s client service and mission.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, or an equivalent degree from a country outside the United States.
Admission to practice law in New York, or eligibility for New York Bar admission at the time of hire; admission is required within one year of hire.
At least 10 years of relevant litigation experience, including substantial complex civil litigation experience.
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, 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, including the ability to lead, motivate, and develop attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff.
Ability to develop litigation strategies and identify systemic legal issues suited to impact litigation.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the ability to work 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 scheduling appointments, managing calendars and documents, and coordinating collaborative workflows.
Ability and willingness to travel to statewide offices and court locations and collaborate through 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 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 comfort working with marginalized communities.
Ability to maintain data security practices when handling sensitive client information.

Nice To Haves

Appellate practice experience before the Second Circuit or New York appellate courts is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct civil rights litigation and impact cases, particularly involving disability, education, and LGBTQ issues.
Maintain a broad civil rights caseload and represent clients in litigation and related proceedings.
Supervise and provide feedback on the work product of attorneys, paralegals, and interns as needed.
Mentor, coach, and support the professional development of practice group staff.
Coordinate with the Managing Attorney to provide consistent supervision across practice group focus areas.
Identify systemic issues and develop opportunities for impact litigation and class actions.
Conduct and attend CLEs and community training sessions.
Maintain accurate case records, time entries, and outcome data in Legal Server and other case management systems; supervise others’ use of those 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 to improve the efficiency and quality of litigation practice, and stay current on developments and recommend improvements to organizational technology use.
Maintain data security practices when handling 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 and participate in regular supervision meetings, including work plan development and grant deliverable management.
Travel to statewide offices and court locations as necessary.
Perform administrative, support-related, and other duties as assigned to meet organizational and client needs.