Trial Supervisor

About the Organization

The Children's Law Center (CLC) is a non-profit legal services organization that represents children in custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, family offense, and related child protective (abuse or neglect) proceedings in the Family Courts and the Integrated Domestic Violence Parts of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and in appeals therefrom. CLC represents over 5,000 children annually in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, providing holistic and zealous representation and support in the Court, the community and the legislature.

The mission of CLC is to provide children with a strong and effective voice in legal proceedings. Through our work in the courtroom and the community, we empower our clients, reduce the negative impact of family dissolution and court involvement, and promote well-being for young people.

Description

Reporting to the Co-Borough Director, the Trial Supervisor will assist in the oversight, support and supervision of trial attorneys.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Litigation and Management

• Assist the Co-Borough Director in the supervision of the Unit’s direct legal work, including impact and affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategies, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
• Coordinate with writing teams to ensure high quality and prompt written motions, petitions and referrals for appeals
• Maintain a reasonable individual caseload, handling complex cases as needed
• Coordinate intake processes to ensure efficient handling of cases
• Provide back-up coverage to AFCs when necessary
• Conduct or coordinate emergency intake for writs when necessary
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
• Assist with the development, funding, implementation, and reporting of grants and programs as necessary
• Ensure collaboration with social worker unit

Team Development and Supervision

• As assigned by Borough Director, evaluate staff performance and reinforce accountability with the CBA
• Mentor staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development
• Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off, and manage staffing changes
• Attend management meetings, participate in training, and provide creative, problem-solving leadership
• Conduct management and supervision practices that support equity and inclusion
• Professional Development and other duties as assigned
• Participate in continuous professional development; present at conferences to promote the organization and children’s representation
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Key Qualifications and Competencies

• This position currently requires the individual’s physical presence at least two days per week and additional time as required by Court or for meetings.
• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Minimum four years legal practice experience; preferably in family and/or juvenile law.
• Demonstrated litigation skills.
• Strong interviewing, advocacy, practice and cultural competence skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• In-depth knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence and child welfare.
• Demonstrated cross-functional teaming experience finding solutions to complex situations.
• Effective communication (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue to learn new skills, grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges.
• Demonstrated attention to detail along with outstanding initiative, analytical, critical thinking and problem resolution skills.
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and the ability to prioritize, track and manage multiple requests simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skills as a regular user, of Legal Server and on-line research tools such as Lexis.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.