Description:

A Not-For-Profit Organization seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through holistic, client-centered legal representation and assistance.

Definition: Under direction of the Chief Attorney, the Managing Attorney performs a variety of legal, administrative and supervisory activities to successfully manage all functions in the Attorneys for Children Unit (AFC); performs related duties as required.

Primary Responsibilities:

Manages daily unit operations in the Erie County Family Court, including ensuring appropriate attorney staffing and coverage for representation of clients ages newborn to 21 in all court proceedings.
Assist Chief Attorney in monitoring and managing the performance of the staff attorneys and their representation of clients/interaction with clients. Partner with Chief Attorney to provide regular performance feedback, including discipline when required, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
Conduct regular (preferably weekly) case review and work review meetings with staff attorneys.
Supports staff attorneys' handling of their cases, including, but not limited to: proper opening, updating, and closing case files; conducting a regular review of status of cases and caseloads using the case management system; periodically reviewing pleading, correspondence and communications prepared by staff attorneys, assisting staff attorneys with complex cases; monitoring cases for timely preparation and submission of Orders Assigning Counsel and, if applicable, preparation and submission of Judiciary Law Sec. 35(8) Vouchers; and any other human-resources related issue that arises.
Engage in regular mentoring, training, and coaching of unit attorneys and support staff.
Provide leadership by example, including maintaining a presence in courtroom and carrying an appropriate caseload, which is to be established in goal setting meetings.
Assist Chief Attorney in developing and implementing 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.
Assist Chief Attorney and Human Resources in handling employee grievances in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements, as requested.
Assist Chief Attorney in coordinating outreach opportunities and arranging staffing for outreach.
Confer with Chief Attorney on a regular basis concerning the operations of the unit, including personnel matters, caseloads, demands for services, and any other significant matters affecting the unit.
Assist the Chief Attorney and Deputy Executive Director – Civil Practice in efforts to seek new funding, facilitate marketing, and establish new outreach opportunities.
Assist Chief Attorney and Deputy Executive Director – Civil Practice with preparation of grants and funding applications, project planning, project execution, and monitoring project performance.
Work with Human Resources, Chief Attorney, Deputy Executive Director – Civil Practice, and Manager of Social Work and Support Staff to make staffing decisions, including job offers, assignments and terminations.
Assist Manager of Social Work and Support Staff to increase the knowledge, skills and efficiency of the support staff.
Actively promote an atmosphere that will enable employees to work cooperatively and efficiently for the benefit of clients.
Maintain a positive relationship with staff attorneys and support staff. Participate in regular unit staff meetings (at least monthly) to review activities, share ideas, communicate changes, and address staff concerns.
Respond to client concerns and/or complaints.
Respond to judges and court personnel regarding operations of the unit.
Maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and serve as a resource for unit staff.
Participate in the overall management of the Bureau, in part by attending scheduled management meetings, other meetings as needed with Deputy Executive Director and Chief Attorney on topics related to the operation of the AFC, Civil and/or criminal units; participate, as assigned, as a member of management team for union negotiations, labor- management committees or to address employee grievances.
Follow Bureau policies regarding expenditures for unit and maintain awareness of current financial circumstances of the unit.
Participate in community activities relevant to the work of the unit. Establish and maintain relationships with courts, agencies, Bar Association committees, schools (including law schools, graduate schools, undergraduate schools, and high schools), and other community groups relevant to the work of the unit. Participate in community activities as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Attorney and/or Deputy Executive Director.

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

At least five years of experience as an attorney active in the field of Family Court practice, preferably in child welfare and/or juvenile justice;
Superior oral and written advocacy skills;
Strong interpersonal skills
Recognized organizational skills;
Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing and case management systems and interfaces;
Reliable transportation and a valid license to drive a motor vehicle or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position

Knowledge of: New State York Family Court Act, relevant decisional authority and related regulations; federal law governing child welfare and juvenile justice and related regulations; applicable civil procedure law; the New York State Domestic Relations Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and applicable sections of state and federal Education Law; Local Rules, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and Court of Appeals rules; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; New York State ethical and professional rules of conduct; and principles of law office administration and supervision.

This position is full-time.