Staff Attorney
Job description
Under the leadership of the Borough Director, the staff attorney will work to effectuate the mission of CLC. The staff attorney will ensure that CLC maintains high standards of representation and client services. In collaboration with paralegals, social workers and a writing unit, staff attorneys maintain their own caseloads, taking responsibility for zealous representation from intake through trial.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as requested.
- Conduct interviews with clients and other individuals;
- Handle court appearances;
- Subpoena or otherwise obtain all necessary documentation in order to prepare cases;
- Maintain comprehensive and well-organized case files on case management system;
- Regularly handle intake, comprehensively prepare cases for conference, negotiation or trial;
- Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy and facilitate its implementation;
- Properly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a case;
- Explore alternatives to litigation and negotiate the best possible resolution for clients;
- Collaborate with the Writing, Social Work, Paralegal and Client Services teams to best represent CLC clients;
- Communicate with the Court, opposing counsel, and others in a timely manner, as necessary;
- Maintain ethical standards of practice;
- Regularly and appropriately respond to client, community and staff concerns;
- Attend training sessions pertinent to practice;
- Perform other duties as requested.
Key Qualifications and Competencies
- Admitted to practice law in New York State
- Demonstrated skills in advocacy, cultural competence, mediation and interviewing
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy
- Preference for knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence, and child welfare
- Demonstrated experience teaming with colleagues to find solutions to complex situations
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills
- Curiosity and eagerness to continue learning new skills and grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges
- Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and able to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines;
- Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information;
- Desire to work in a busy organization that represents children.
Salary Requirements
The expected salary range for this position ranges from $76,500 – $128,520 annually. Salary offers, pursuant to the CLC Collective Bargaining Agreement, are based on the number of years employed in a legal position including performed work analogous to the practice of law.
Benefits
At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing. Our offerings include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan including employer contribution and match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and balanced work environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As an employee of The Children’s Law Center, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Hybrid Schedule
This position currently requires the individual’s physical presence in court at the discretion of the presiding Jurist and a minimum of two days per week in person at CLC’s offices in New York City.
This is a full-time, exempt position out of our Brooklyn office.
Applications are open as of March 12, 2025.
At The Children’s Law Center our goal is to provide equal opportunities, work-life balance and great professional development opportunities.