Chief Attorney - Attorneys for Children Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is seeking a Chief Attorney for our Attorneys for Children Unit. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Deputy Executive Director – Civil Practice (DED), the Chief Attorney will perform a variety of legal, administrative and supervisory activities to successfully manage and direct all functions in the Attorneys for Children Unit.

The Attorneys for Children Unit represents children in a broad variety of child welfare and juvenile justice matters, ensuring them a voice in proceedings that affect their lives and life outcomes. The scope of matters may include juvenile delinquency, neglect and abuse, persons in need of supervision, permanency hearings, termination of parental rights, voluntary placements, surrenders, child custody, and other related proceedings. The AFC Unit practice is conducted primarily in Erie County Family Court but may also require appearances in related matters in other judicial or administrative forums, as directed by supervising attorneys.

Why Join Us?

· Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $115,000 to $150,000, commensurate with your experience.

· Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.

o Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.

o Paid parenthood leave plan

o 401(k) retirement plan.

o Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings

o Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.

· Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualifying employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure efficient operation of the unit; that the unit’s cases are handled in accordance with ethical standards; and that clients are provided with the highest quality representation.

2. Using a team approach, supervises unit managers and oversees their supervision of staff attorneys and support staff personnel within the Unit.

3. Provide leadership by example, including maintaining a presence in courtroom and carrying an appropriate caseload, which is to be established in goal setting meetings.

4. Participates in efforts to maintain and secure new funding, including assisting compiling data for submission of periodic reports to funders.

5. Coordinates with other Units in the Bureau regarding legal projects and outreach programs.

6. Supports Managing Attorneys in supervising the staff attorneys’ handling of their cases, including, but not limited to, proper opening, updating and closing case files; conducting a regular review of case statuses and caseloads using the case management system; periodically reviewing pleadings, correspondence and communications prepared by staff attorneys, assisting staff attorneys’ with complicated cases; and any other human resources-related issue that arises.

7. Conducts monthly meetings with Unit and supports the Managing Attorneys in bi-weekly meetings with individual attorneys.

8. Confers with the Civil Deputy ED on a regular basis concerning the operations of the unit, including personnel matters, caseloads, unit performance against goals, demands for services, and any other significant matters affecting the unit.

9. Participates, often in a leadership role, in statewide and countywide bar association activities to further the interests of the Bureau, our indigent clients and the system as a whole.

10. Communicates with clients, when appropriate, responding to client concerns or complaints.

11. Communicates with walk-ins and callers to provide legal information and assistance, when appropriate.

12. Communicates regularly with representatives of the Courts regarding the administration of unit work.

13. Makes sure the unit disposes a satisfactory number of cases per calendar year as determined by unit grants.

14. Oversees pro bono work conducted by outside counsel.

15. Coordinating work for AFC interns, providing intern support and supervision.

16. Identify, coordinate, oversee, and participate in public outreach activities with the legal community, maintaining and participating in clinics and events relevant to the work of the unit throughout the Erie County. Establish and maintain relationships with courts, agencies, Bar Association committees, the Law School, and other community groups relevant to the work of the unit.

17. Support Managing Attorneys in providing regular performance feedback and conduct annual performance evaluations.

18. Support Managing Attorneys in training and/or mentoring attorneys, interns, law clerks, and volunteers.

19. Actively promote an atmosphere that will enable employees to work cooperatively and efficiently for the benefit of clients.

20. When requested, handle employee grievances in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements.

21. When requested, assist with the negotiation and preparation of the Collective Bargaining Agreements for both the Attorneys and Support Staff Unions.

22. Work with Civil Deputy ED and Human Resources to make staffing decisions, including job offers and terminations.

23. Maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and serve as a resource for unit staff.

24. Follow Bureau policies regarding expenditures for unit and maintain awareness of current financial circumstances of the unit.

25. Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or Civil Deputy ED.

Employment Standards: Active membership in the New York State Bar; and

1. Six years of experience as an attorney in the practice of public or family law or ten years as a general practicing attorney; or

2. Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to a supervising attorney at an institutional attorney for the child program; or

3. A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

4. Managerial experience preferred.

5. Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing and case management systems and interfaces.

6. Reliable transportation and license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Knowledge of: New York State Family Court Act and relevant decisional authority; criminal law and procedure; the New York State Domestic Relations Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and applicable sections of Educational Law; Local Rules and Appellate Division, Fourth Department and Court of Appeals rules and guidelines; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; ethical and professional rules of conduct; trial and court procedures; negotiating techniques; principles of administration and supervision.

Ability to: Effectively supervise diverse personalities, perform all administrative responsibilities in monitoring cases; perform all administrative responsibilities in coordinating and participating in outreach and establishing and maintaining clinics; develop and implement procedures for new programs as they evolve in the unit; work well independently and with others; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; manage a caseload; operate personal computer and effectively use computer applications available to the units; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; and interact well with the public.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person