Description:

Job Summary:
LASMNY is seeking an experienced attorney and proven leader to serve as Managing Attorney of our Syracuse office. This is an opportunity to shape the direction of a busy, multi-practice office in downtown Syracuse, build and mentor a talented team, and expand access to justice for low-income residents of Central New York.

The Managing Attorney leads the legal work and day-to-day administration of the Syracuse office, supervising attorneys and advocates who handle housing, consumer debt, disability advocacy, family law, and other civil legal matters. Reporting to a Deputy Director, the Managing Attorney works closely with LASMNY's leadership team to set program priorities, develop policies and practice standards, and ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, grant requirements, and LASMNY policies.

The Syracuse office's range of practice areas makes it well suited to holistic representation. The Managing Attorney will build a practice in which clients' related legal needs are identified and addressed, staff collaborate across practice areas and with other LASMNY offices, and clients are connected with community resources that support long-term stability for clients.

The role combines hands-on legal practice with supervision, mentoring, and office leadership. It is well suited to an attorney who enjoys developing other lawyers, solving operational problems, and building strong relationships with courts, community partners, and funders.

Essential Job Duties:

Oversee the Syracuse office's daily operations and the quality of its legal work.
Review and assign new cases, balance caseloads, and supervise attorneys and advocates through regular case meetings and case reviews.
Lead a holistic, client-centered approach to service delivery by ensuring staff screen for related legal issues, coordinate representation across practice areas and LASMNY offices, and make effective referrals to social service and community partners.
Train and mentor staff, with particular attention to developing newer attorneys' litigation, advocacy, and client service skills.
Conduct employee work performance evaluations and address work performance concerns in a timely and effective manner.
Work with the leadership team on policies and practice standards, and ensure the office complies with LSC regulations, grant requirements, and LASMNY policies.
Monitor case data and grant deliverables, prepare timely reports, and keep accurate time and case records in the case management system.
Carry a caseload, appear in court and administrative proceedings, and serve as a resource to staff on complex matters.
Identify systemic issues affecting clients and develop litigation and advocacy strategies to address them.
Build strong relationships with courts, bar associations, community partners, funders, and pro bono attorneys, and lead outreach and community education.
Serve as a check signatory and help safeguard the fiscal integrity of LASMNY funds.
Stay current on legal developments and complete Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements.

Professional Standards

Demonstrate the highest level of professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive client and personnel information.
Communicate effectively and courteously with clients, staff, attorneys, court personnel, agency staff, and community partners.
Model a respectful, collaborative, and accountable workplace for office staff.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with organizational policies.
Adapt to new technologies and systems, including legal research tools and case management software.
Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Executive Director based on agency needs.

Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in New York State. Attorneys admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission on motion are encouraged to apply.
At least five years of experience practicing law.
Litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs and handling hearings, depositions, and trials.
Demonstrated experience mentoring and training less-experienced attorneys.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities and advancing equal access to justice.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and computerized legal research.
Ability to travel as needed, including to courts, community outreach sites, and other LASMNY offices.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in civil legal services or other public interest practice.
Experience supervising attorneys engaged in litigation, including conducting performance evaluations.
Experience in housing, consumer, public benefits, or other poverty law practice areas.
Experience delivering holistic or interdisciplinary legal services, including collaboration with social workers, case managers, or other non-legal service providers.
Familiarity with LSC regulations and grant compliance.
Experience managing a unionized workforce, including working within a collective bargaining agreement.
Proficiency in languages other than English.