Staff Attorney - Writing and Appeals
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 approximately 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. CLC's mission is to empower our clients, prevent trauma and promote wellbeing.
Description:
Full time for 6 months, with possibility of extension, dependent on funding.
Under the supervision of the Director of Appeals, Writing and Paralegal Support, the Writing Attorney will help shape children’s rights law through preparing motions, affirmations, summations, and other trial level documents to be submitted in the Family Courts and IDV Parts of the Supreme Court, as well as appellate briefs and motions in the First and Second Departments of the Appellate Division. In addition, the attorney will appear for arguments and conferences in the Appellate Divisions and, when necessary, in Family Court.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Prepare motions, affirmations, summations, appellate briefs, and other litigation documents.
- Conduct extensive legal research and reviews of files and records in order to produce persuasive legal documents.
- Work collaboratively with trial attorneys, social workers, and paralegals in preparing legal documents
- Appear for oral argument in the Appellate Divisions for the First and Second Departments.
- Other duties, as required.
Key Qualifications and Competencies:
- Excellent legal writing skills—ability to write clear, concise fact statements and legal arguments.
- Ability to synthesize large volume of material, address complex issues, and to pay attention to both big picture themes and myriad details
- Excellent legal research skills
- Openness to and ability to learn from editing
- Ability to proofread carefully
- Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments, while working under pressure
- Excellent oral advocacy skills
- Knowledge of Family Court and family law preferred by not required
- Admitted to practice law in New York State
- One year of relevant legal experience preferred
Salary Requirements
The expected salary range for this position ranges from $65,790 – $128,520 annually. Salary offers, pursuant to the CLC Collective Bargaining Agreement, are based on the number of years employed in a legal position including performed work analogous to the practice of law.
Benefits
At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing. Our offerings include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan including employer contribution and match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and balanced work environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As an employee of The Children’s Law Center, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Hybrid Schedule
This position currently requires the individual’s physical presence in court at the discretion of the presiding Jurist and a minimum of two days per week in person at CLC’s offices in New York City.
As an equal opportunity employer, The Children's Law Center is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.