Staff Attorney

STAFF ATTORNEY

Job Summary:

Lawyers for Children provides direct legal representation of clients ages newborn to 21 in the New York Family Court in neglect and abuse, foster care, custody and visitation, orders of protection, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption, youth justice and related proceedings. Lawyers For Children attorneys work alongside our social workers as a team. Duties include client interviews, investigation, trial preparation/strategy, preparation of legal memos and motions, general courtroom

advocacy in trials/colloquy, and oral advocacy as necessary for case conferences and case follow-up.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active NYS bar membership
• Minimum of 2 years litigation experience in NYS Family Courts preferred, or
• Recent graduates with related (family law and/or litigation) law clinic experience required
• Demonstrated commitment to the rights of children and youth
• Commitment to interdisciplinary practice of law using an attorney-social worker team model
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and in crisis situations.
• Well-organized, motivated, creative and independent
• Able to deliver inclusive, culturally attuned services rooted in antiracist principles and equity-driven practices for clients, colleagues, courts and the child welfare systems
• Strong courtroom presence and the confidence to advocate assertively, even in challenging situations, while maintaining professionalism
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, and interviewing skills
• Experience working with children is a plus.

Specific Responsibilities:

The primary role of the staff attorney is to provide direct legal representation of clients

ages newborn to 21 in the New York Family Court.

• Client Advocacy: Interview clients and advocate for their wishes, using age appropriate language and trauma informed skills.
• Courtroom Advocate: Engage in all aspects of litigation in child protective, custody, guardianship, family offense, youth justice and related proceedings, including intake, client interviews, motion practice, negotiations and mediation, court appearances, witness preparation, hearings and trials.
• Caseload Management: Maintain a substantial caseload while communicating regularly with social work team partners to best advocate for client positions, including regular entry of Court Updates into the Case Management System; twice a month Intake Days
• Professional Development: Attend trainings and satisfy all CLE requirements; meet regularly for supervision
• Team Collaboration: Attend general staff and staff attorney meetings.

Benefits:

LFC prioritizes the overall wellbeing of our team by offering a comprehensive benefit package designed to enhance your well-being, work-life balance and growth.

Salary Range: $82,573 - $89,565, based on date of admission to the bar, experience and qualifications.

Work Schedule: Hybrid work model. Availability to work in NYC location required.

Health & Dental Coverage: Employer-paid Health and Dental benefits to support you and your family. Vision, FSA accounts and Commuter benefits available.

Generous Paid Time Off: Ample holiday, personal, vacation, sick and bereavement days.

Parental Leave: LFC provides 12 weeks of employer-paid parental leave, with the opportunity for up to 26 weeks of leave to support your growing family.

Retirement Package: LFC contributes 5% to your retirement plan, without the requirement for an employee match, helping you build a secure future. LFC also offers a retirement plan to which employees can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax basis.

Insurance Benefits: Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long-Term Disability coverage.

LFC is an equal opportunity employer, which means that it is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement to all employees and applicants. This commitment includes all terms, conditions and privileges of employment in relation to hiring, training, placement and employee development, promotion, transfer, compensation and separation from employment. As an equal opportunity employer, LFC hires and promotes individuals upon the basis of their qualifications for the position for which they have applied.