Staff Attorney, Court-Involved Youth - School Justice Project

Job Summary

Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. (AFC) seeks a dedicated attorney to join the School Justice Project to provide direct representation, outreach, community education, and policy advocacy, to ensure that youth involved in the juvenile and/or criminal legal system have meaningful access to appropriate educational services during an unparalleled time of difficulty for them and their families. Given the evolving implementation of policies and programs for court-involved youth, the need for education advocacy by an attorney versed in the juvenile and/or criminal legal system is critical. This position will report to the Director of the School Justice Project.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Representation

• Represent youth involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the juvenile or criminal legal system and facing school-related challenges, including suspensions, school policing, pushout, lack of supports, inappropriate placements, or unmet special education needs.
• Advise families on their education rights in both community schools and correctional facilities.
• Facilitate referrals for evaluations and participate in school meetings.
• Advocate with schools, DOE administrators, ACS, DOC, and judges in Family, Criminal, and Supreme Courts.
• Collaborate with defense attorneys, alternatives-to-incarceration providers, and other professionals.
• Identify appropriate school placements and services.
• Represent families at IEP meetings, suspension hearings, Manifestation Determination Reviews, and special education hearings and appeals.

Outreach and Training

• Conduct outreach to professionals working with court-involved youth (e.g., alternatives-to-incarceration and detention providers, Close to Home providers, and court staff).
• Develop materials and provide trainings, resources, and technical assistance to build capacity around education-related advocacy.
• Create and deliver know-your-rights trainings and materials for students and families.

Policy Advocacy

• Use insights from direct representation and trainings to drive systemic reform.
• Draft letters, reports, and public comments on education issues affecting court-involved youth.
• Participate in city and state policy meetings and testify before the City Council.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to advance systemwide improvements in educational and vocational outcomes for court-involved youth.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and alignment with AFC's mission. Please review AFC's work at advocatesforchildren.org.
• Law degree required, with admission to the NYS bar preferred.
• One to five years of relevant experience preferred, and experience and/or knowledge of the juvenile and/or criminal legal system required.
• Desire to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism principles.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of low-income and disability communities, education, civil rights.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively engage across cultures, identities, and ethnicities.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parents, community partners, and school staff.
• Ability to lead the management of projects, including tracking, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Organized, detail oriented, flexible, and able to work independently on tasks and deliverables.
• Spanish fluency preferred, but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs: Word, Outlook, SharePoint.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting why they are interested in this role at AFC and how their experience aligns with the Staff Attorney – Court Involved Youth position, including any personal or professional experience that demonstrates your connection to the populations that AFC serves.

The position is available immediately, and resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Compensation

This is a full-time position, with a salary in the range of $86,278 - $95,794, depending on experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

This position is expected to work at least 2 days a week in the office and remotely on the remaining days.