Trial Supervisor, Special Projects

Description
Under the leadership of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, the Special Projects Trial Supervisor will develop specialized programs for trial practice; supervise pro bono projects with law firms; collaborate with trial and appeals teams to identify appropriate cases for referral; develop affirmative litigation strategies; assist with the development and coordination of amicus briefs for appropriate case locally and nationally; work with the development and communications teams as necessary to support CLC projects and programs; maintain trial case load as appropriate.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Litigation and Management:

• Assist the Borough Directors in the supervision of the Unit’s direct legal work, with a focus on pro bono cases, affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach;
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategies, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies;
• Coordinate with trial and writing teams to identify opportunities to include pro bono representations and develop high quality and prompt written motions, petitions and referrals for appeals;
• Maintain a reasonable individual trial caseload, handling complex cases as needed;
• Assist the Executive Director and Deputy Director in outreach to law firms, supervision of pro bono volunteers’ legal work, including motions, stays, appeals, impact and affirmative litigation, and policy advocacy;
• Conduct or coordinate emergency intake for writs when necessary;
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service;
• Assist with the development, funding, implementation, and reporting of grants and programs as necessary;
• Ensure collaboration with social worker unit;
• Mentor trial staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development;
• Mentor pro bono attorneys, providing guidance and support in their work with our clients;
• Attend management meetings, participate in training, and provide creative, problem-solving leadership;
• Conduct management and supervision practices that support equity and inclusion;
• Professional Development and other duties as assigned;
• Participate in continuous professional development; present at conferences to promote the organization and children’s representation;
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment;
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications and Competencies

• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Minimum four years legal practice experience; preferably in family and/or juvenile law and/or experience providing pro bono representation
• Demonstrated litigation skills.
• Strong interviewing, advocacy, practice and cultural competence skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• In-depth knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence and child welfare.
• Demonstrated cross-functional teaming experience finding solutions to complex situations.
• Effective communication (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue to learn new skills, grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges.
• Demonstrated attention to detail along with outstanding initiative, analytical, critical thinking and problem resolution skills.
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and the ability to prioritize, track and manage multiple requests simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skills as a regular user, of Legal Server and on-line research tools such as Lexis.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.