The Legal Aid Society, the largest provider of social justice legal services in the nation, has an immediate opening for a dedicated and experienced Attorney-in-Charge (AIC) of the Special Litigation Unit for the Criminal Defense Practice. The Criminal Defense Practice is the primary public defender in New York City, providing holistic representation to over 200,000 people ensnared in the criminal legal system.
The AIC of the Special Litigation Unit is responsible for developing and pursuing a strategic vision for the law and policy work that advances the overall civil liberties and civil rights of our clients; managing our litigation docket; and working with staff to develop potential cases, legal theories, and litigation strategies.
The AIC of the Special Litigation Unit supervises staff who provide advice on complex questions regarding criminal defense and appeals and the collateral consequences of criminal records.
The AIC is also responsible for ensuring that the litigation of the Special Litigation Unit is consistent with the mission of the organization; developing relationships with law firms, other legal organizations, community groups, and others to advance issues of mutual concern; and pursuing strategies to resolve matters short of litigation, as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
* A minimum of 15 years of law reform litigation and criminal defense or criminal appellate experience, which must include state and federal constitutional law experience. Such experience should involve a nuanced understanding of constitutional doctrine and the application of civil liberties principles to contemporary controversies.
* Experience working with a nonprofit with a focus on improving the lives of low-income people and a firm dedication to racial equity advocacy and civil rights litigation.
* Proven management ability, including experience in supervising attorneys and support staff, and in managing and encouraging volunteers, both students and professionals.
* Superior ability to plan effective strategies, establish realistic objectives, maintain momentum, and evaluate progress.
* A demonstrated commitment to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive work environment.
* A motivational leader who will create and enhance a diverse workplace culture that is supportive, collaborative, and affirming to our clients and colleagues. This leader will coach, mentor, and develop all staff to advance their professional development and growth.
* Excellent analytical, writing, and speaking skills. A demonstrated ability to write clearly and precisely. The ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, staff, volunteers, and the general public. A demonstrated ability to convey difficult civil liberties issues to the general public.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage one's own work as well as the work of others and to assure completion of assignments and projects.
* A track record of successful leadership through strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building.
* Experience with media advocacy and city, state, and federal legislative advocacy.
* Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
* A commitment to the goals and mission of The Legal Aid Society.
* Licensed to practice law in New York and admitted to federal court.