Assistant Public Defender - Family Defense

The Warren County Public Defender’s Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender (“APD”) for family defense work. This APD will represent indigent parents, guardians, and caretakers who are named respondents in family court proceedings in Warren County. The APD will handle all cases initiated under Article 10 of the Family Court Act, as well as cases concerning custody and visitation, paternity, child support, and family offenses. This attorney will conduct initial intake meetings with eligible clients, engage in factual investigations and legal research, employ motion practice and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court. The APD will also work closely with a case manager towards the goal of aiding parent-respondents who are at risk of having Article 10 removal proceedings instituted against them, to prevent such proceedings from moving forward before they are even filed. This goal will be accomplished by working to address client-parent needs prior to government intervention in the home. This position is supervised by the Public Defender and the Senior Family Court APD, who will provide guidance and mentorship in navigating family court practice. The attorney will also enjoy extensive flexibility to exercise independent judgment in crafting legal strategies for zealous client advocacy.

SALARY: $117,024 per year

BENEFITS: 13 paid holidays, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 10 days’ vacation per year, health insurance including vision and dental coverage, pension and retirement plans, potential for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses, and bi-annual renewals of NY law license.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: At time of appointment, candidate must EITHER be a resident of Warren County, OR of a county contiguous to Warren.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

· Represent and advise respondents at every stage of family court proceedings;

· Develop and maintain full family court client caseload;

· Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court, including emergency hearings seeking family reunification where appropriate;

· Draft, file, and argue written motions seeking increased visitation, family reunification, and achievement of other client goals;

· Collaborate with other APDs and PD support staff to provide wholistic services and comprehensive legal assistance to clients who may be entwined in both criminal and family court proceedings simultaneously, and who may require specialized services;

· Meet regularly with supervisor to review case files and discuss strategies;

· Attend regular trainings and legal education courses to build litigation skills and develop substantive knowledge;

· Maintain consistent and open lines of communication with clients to ensure they are working towards goals which will help achieve their desired case outcomes; and

· Confer with Family Court judges, court attorneys, opposing counsel, and attorneys for the child to negotiate mutually agreeable settlement arrangements where appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· License to practice law in the State of New York at time of appointment;

· Strong desire to advocate on behalf of clients facing family separation;

· Exceptional interpersonal skills and willingness to work with clients in heightened emotional circumstances;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills;

· Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members within the Public Defender’s Office and other County agencies when required;

· Works independently, with the benefit of senior advisement and mentorship;

· Proficient at working in high stress environment, able to multitask, and maintain flexibility; and

· Possession of strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high-needs caseload, including the ability to prioritize tasks where requests and deadlines are often on short notice.

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to:

Gregory V. Canale, Esq.

Warren County Public Defender

c/o Erin K. Komon, Esq.

Warren County Public Defender’s Office

1340 State Route 9

Lake George, New York 12845

komone@warrencountyny.gov

Warren County is an Equal Opportunity / DEI Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $117,024.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person