Supervising Senior Litigation Attorney

Empire Justice Center•Albany, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Empire Justice Center is a statewide legal services organization dedicated to fighting for marginalized low-income individuals and families across New York. They achieve this through direct legal representation, high-impact litigation, legislative advocacy, and training future advocates. The Supervising Senior Litigation Attorney will be a key member of the litigation team, leading impact and class action cases, developing new litigation initiatives, and collaborating with internal and external partners to drive systemic change. This role involves providing legal supervision, mentorship, and training to attorneys and paralegals, and contributing to the organization's strategic goals for expanding access to justice. The work will encompass practice areas such as public benefits, civil rights (disability, LGBTQ, special education), healthcare, and tenants' rights. The attorney will manage a litigation caseload and report to the Director of Litigation.

Requirements

Demonstrated excellence in all phases of complex civil litigation, including class action and impact litigation in state and federal courts.
Superior legal writing and research skills, including the ability to draft and edit complex briefs, motions, pleadings, and appellate submissions.
Strong oral advocacy skills, including proven ability to conduct oral arguments in trial and appellate courts.
Effective supervisory and mentorship skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop the skills of attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff.
Ability to generate creative, forward-looking litigation strategies and identify systemic legal issues appropriate for impact litigation.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to build and maintain partnerships with co-workers, co-counsel, clients, community organizations, and advocacy partners.
Demonstrated proficiency with legal technology, including Microsoft 365, e-discovery platforms, legal research databases, document management systems, artificial intelligence tools, and litigation support software.
Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Commitment to client-centered advocacy.
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 required within one year of hire).
A minimum of 10 years of relevant litigation experience, with substantial experience in complex civil litigation.
Demonstrated experience leading class action litigation as lead attorney or co-counsel.
Significant experience practicing in both New York state courts and federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and/or Western Districts of New York; experience in appellate practice before the Second Circuit or New York appellate courts strongly preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to expanding the rights of low-income persons and advancing social justice through individual and systemic litigation.
A demonstrated history of seeking positive systemic change through class action, major impact, or other systemic litigation.
Experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff in a litigation context.
Proficiency with legal technology tools, including Microsoft 365, e-discovery platforms, legal research databases, document management systems, artificial intelligence tools, and litigation support software.
Ability and willingness to travel to Empire Justice Center's statewide offices and court locations as necessary, and to collaborate effectively with colleagues via video conferencing and remote communication tools.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead and/or support all phases of complex civil impact litigation and class action cases, including case development and investigation, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice (including oral argument), witness development and preparation, trial preparation, trial, and appellate practice.
Support litigation needs throughout the organization, serving as a versatile attorney who fills needed gaps in staffing for litigation work.
Serve as lead, co-counsel, or litigation team attorney supporting high-profile, precedent-setting litigation designed to achieve systemic improvements in law and policy for low-income clients.
Draft and oversee the preparation of complex briefs, motions, pleadings, and other court submissions that reflect the highest standards of legal advocacy.
Prepare for and conduct oral arguments in state courts, federal courts, and administrative agencies.
Supervise and provide feedback to attorneys, paralegals, and interns’ work product to ensure quality, accuracy, and strategic effectiveness.
Support litigation staff’s professional development by mentoring, modeling effective litigation practices, and providing constructive coaching.
Collaborate with the Director of Litigation and Managing Attorneys to ensure coordinated and consistent supervision across litigation matters.
Generate innovative ideas for new impact litigation initiatives that address legal barriers facing low-income New Yorkers in coordination with Managing Attorneys and the Director of Litigation.
Work with policy staff to coordinate external messaging and media relations for pending litigation.
Partner with other civil legal aid organizations, law school clinics, private law firms, and pro bono partners.
Contribute to the development of organizational priorities for legal issues relevant to Empire Justice Center's mission.
Maintain a litigation caseload.
Utilize Legal Server and other case management systems to maintain accurate and complete case records, time entries, and outcome data, and supervise others’ use of the same.
Comply with all organizational policies and procedures and the New York Rules of Professional Conduct governing litigation, case approval, and attorneys’ fees.
Identify and pursue attorneys’ fees as available.
Leverage legal technology tools, including Microsoft 365, e-discovery platforms, legal research databases, document management systems, artificial intelligence tools, and litigation support software to increase efficiency and quality in litigation practice.
Stay current on developments in legal technology and contribute and implement ideas for improving organizational use of technology in litigation.
Maintain data security practices in handling sensitive client information consistent with Empire Justice Center policies and professional obligations.
Participate in meetings and organizational planning as appropriate.
Represent Empire Justice Center in external coalitions, bar association activities, and community settings to advance the organization's reputation and mission.
Contribute to grant reporting, funding proposals, and communications regarding litigation outcomes and impact as requested.
Develop and/or participate in staff trainings and professional development activities.
Must demonstrate a high level of comfort and commitment to working with people from marginalized communities.
Working closely with your assigned supervisor and participating in regular supervision meetings, including work plan development and grant deliverable management.
Due to limited resources, all staff are expected to perform administrative and other support-related duties to serve our clients and fulfill our mission as a non-profit legal services organization.
Other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the organization’s needs.