Description:

A 501 Non-Profit Legal Aid Provider Based in New York City Civil Practice is seeking an experienced and talented lawyer with a deep commitment to public interest practice and policy to join a dedicated, city-wide team of managers, staff attorneys, social workers, supervisors, and support personnel as Supervising Attorney of the Government Benefits and Disability Advocacy Project (“DAP”) work for the Brooklyn Neighborhood Office.

The Government Benefits and Disability Advocacy Project (“DAP”) staff provides representation, legal assistance, legal advocacy, and education to clients who need income and related supports from city, state, and federal programs including but not limited to cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance (food stamps), and federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

The Supervising Attorney will be primarily responsible for the smooth and effective running of the Government Benefits and DAP practice in the Brooklyn Neighborhood Office. The Supervising Attorney will coordinate and report on grant projects, mentor and supervise staff attorneys and paralegal case handlers, manage intake, develop impact/affirmative litigation, and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. The Supervising Attorney will participate in city-wide initiatives related to all government benefits and in state-wide activities related to our DAP work. The Supervising Attorney participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Supervise, mentor, and train staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers
Represent clients in State and federal administrative and court proceedings
Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
Maintain a reasonable individual caseload
Develop impact and/or affirmative litigation
Assist with the fundraising for and development, implementation, and reporting of programs
Coordinate intake
Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
Identify office needs and resources needed for the Harlem Community Law Office and Queens Neighborhood Office and participate in management team responsibilities to meet those needs
Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
Prepare and submit necessary grant reporting paperwork
Assist with planning and conducting city-wide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
Foster and encourage teamwork and communication
Reinforce and maintain staff accountability
Evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workload
Develop and maintain support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and courts
Represent the Civil Practice and Legal Aid in the community
Conduct off-site intake, including during evening hours as needed
Other duties as assigned

Required Documents:
Please submit these documents as a single combined PDF when you apply via the LAS (Legal Aid Society) Recruitment Portal.

Resume
Cover Letter
Writing Sample

Requirements:

Admission to the NYS Bar and federal district courts in New York
Minimum of three years of legal practice
Experience litigating in various forums, including State and federal courts
Ability to work in many different forums
Excellent litigation skills
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
Demonstrated commitment to and experience in public interest law, civil legal services, policy advocacy, administrative reform, and addressing fundamental issues of poverty and justice within a comprehensive civil legal services model of representation
Supervisory, management and/or academic teaching experience preferred
Demonstrated leadership ability
Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
Commitment to exploring alternative approaches for legal practice
Ability to work in a collaborative team model
Pro bono, government, public service, and/or academic experience
Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required