The Legal Aid Society, the largest social justice legal services organization in New York City, has an immediate opening for a dedicated and passionate Supervising Attorney in the DNA Unit. The DNA Unit provides citywide support on DNA issues for the Society's trial and appellate attorneys, and also for other defense attorneys. This citywide unit also develops Society policy and litigation strategy concerning DNA matters. The Supervising Attorney will manage and advise the DNA Unit's attorneys, advance policy initiatives concerning DNA use and methodologies in criminal proceedings, oversee systemic DNA litigation, and expand the DNA Unit's expertise to include other areas of forensics.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Lead a dedicated and dynamic team of attorneys and support staff who comprise the DNA Unit
* Directly mentor, train, and supervise staff to foster professional development and growth
* Plan and implement strategic goals for the DNA Unit
* Oversee systemic DNA-related litigation
* Manage policy advocacy on behalf of clients in DNA matters
* Coordinate in-house and external training on DNA issues
* Liaise with courts, prosecutors, crime laboratories, and other stakeholders on DNA-related matters affecting LAS clients and policy initiatives
* Organize resources for staff attorneys in the DNA Unit Plan and expand the expertise of The Legal Aid Society's DNA Unit to include other forensic areas (e.g., toolmark, latent print, etc.)
* Guide and monitor the productivity of staff attorneys and pro bono volunteer lawyers in all facets of post-conviction representation, including record review, issue selection and appellate brief writing
* Consciously create and enhance a diverse workplace culture that is supportive, collaborative and affirming to clients and colleagues
SECONDARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Other duties as assigned