Appellate Supervisor Attorney in CAU

Child Advocacy Unit Supervising Appellate Attorney

Division/Department: CAU

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief

Job Summary

• The CAU Supervising Appellate Attorney will work directly with the Chief and Assistant Chief of the unit to implement the Child Advocate Unit’s vision of best practices for legal representation. The primary responsibility of the supervising appellate attorney will be to supervise and mentor appellate attorneys. The expectation is that they will work with the training director as well as the chief and assistant chief to ensure that attorneys are being assigned cases that match their training levels. They will provide supervision for all briefs and oral arguments, as well as handling their own reduced caseload.
• The Supervising Appellate Attorney will foster a work environment that is conducive to the teamwork approach that will enhance the Association’s values.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to appellate attorneys
• Review all supervisee attorneys’ return work product
• Maintain an active appellate caseload
• Assist attorneys with appellate case prep and strategy.
• Coordinate with training director, chief and assistant chief for any trainings they deem necessary to assist newer attorneys.
• Assist the Director of Training in training attorneys in the CAU
• Work with Director of Policy on issues that overlap between appellate and policy areas
• Conduct supervision meetings to discuss cases and establish attorney/supervisor communication that will guide attorney performance discussions and the evaluation process
• Employ transitional leadership skills, provide one-to-one support and supervision for growth and development
• Assist the CAU attorneys in drafting pre- and post-trial and hearing motions, advise and train staff and attorneys on record development and proper objections
• Research and advise on new legal claims that should be raised to advance the rights of the Defender Association’s clients
• Develop expert knowledge on most important and evolving legal issues involving children to develop effective training for internal and external audiences
• Develop a base level understanding of the delinquency system and coordinate with the Children and Youth Justice Unit and the Criminal Appellate Unit in addressing delinquency appeals from orders arising under the Juvenile Act.
• Facilitate and drive team-centered approach for client representation
• Actively engage in Family Integrity Project
• Assist the Chief and Assistant Chief with addressing the concerns of designated attorneys who fail to handle their duties and related responsibilities
• Encourage and model positive communication and ongoing collaboration between attorneys, social workers, administrative staff, and all other units. Help resolve conflicts between colleagues as they arise.
• Participate in Leadership Meetings and sit on any committees that would further the mission of the CAU. Recognize that as a member of the Leadership Team the Supervising Appellate Attorney has responsibilities to the CAU as a whole.

Qualifications and Experience

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the PA Bar
• Minimum 5 years experience in the child welfare system strongly preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience related to appellate advocacy strongly preferred
• Experience in or demonstrated interest in supervising, training, teaching or mentoring
• Ability to maintain confidentiality consistent with HR policy and procedures