Managing Attorney

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide supervision and professional development opportunities to staff attorneys, paralegals, and support staff and to other employees under his/her supervision; independently manage a caseload, including full litigation of assigned cases; supervise the legal work and conduct regular case reviews with case handlers; assist in the recruitment process and selection of employees for the Oneonta location; serve as a signatory on checks and ensure the fiscal integrity of the LASMNY’s funds; work with community and bar groups as necessary; assist in employee relations matters; assist in fiscal matters, including budget development and grant management; comply and ensure that all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY policies, procedures and grant based reporting requirements are met; serve as a member of the Executive Team; perform reasonable and related duties as assigned by supervisor (Paul Lupia, Executive Director).

This position requires that the staff attorney comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervise and manage the day-to-day administration and litigation of the designated branch office(s) and programs to ensure that the highest quality of legal services is given to clients
• Independently manage a caseload
• Work with the Executive Team to develop and implement policies, procedures and standards relevant to legal work
• Manage the recruitment, supervision, professional development, case assignment and review with case handlers, performance management, employee relation discussions and disciplinary actions for staff in the designated branch office and program
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports
• Manage data related to grant reporting process
• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients/applicants for services over the phone or in-person
• Interview clients competently and objectively
• Deliver quality legal services by providing legal advice and representation in civil cases to eligible individuals
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system
• Serve as a signatory on checks and ensure the fiscal integrity of LASMNY funds
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, bar associations, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law
• Keep up with the knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses
• Engage in outreach and community education
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested
• Comply with all LSC and LASMNY regulations, policies and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy, and grant based reporting requirements
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon office needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor (Executive Director)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• The successful candidate must be admitted to the New York State Bar. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law
• Experience in the legal services field preferred
• Direct supervision experience of attorneys engaged in litigation practice strongly preferred
• Experience developing litigation
• Exceptional skills in drafting complex briefs, pleadings and motions, conducting depositions and trial work
• Demonstrated commitment and experience in mentoring and training less experienced attorneys
• Trial experience preferred.
• A strong commitment to serving indigent community members is required.
• Other qualifying factors include: extensive prior legal experience; knowledge and understanding of the legal problems and needs of low-income individuals and prior experience in the client community, or in other programs to aid low-income individuals; ability to communicate effectively and responsibly with persons in the client community. Travel is required. Bilingual or multilingual is a plus.