*The position will work out of the Rochester Office with
regular travel to the Empire Justice Center other locations
Empire Justice
Center,
a highly respected, statewide civil legal
services organization, is seeking a Chief Litigation Officer to join our
team. This is an opportunity to join one of the most effective organizations
serving low-income
individuals and families in
New York State.
Empire Justice
Center
attracts and employs
dedicated, determined and passionate advocates who, together,
make a significant impact
on the
lives of low-income
New Yorkers. We achieve
our successes through direct legal
representation and high impact
litigation, legislative
and administrative advocacy,
and by providing training
and technical assistance to other advocates
who
are working towards the
same
goals.
With offices
in Rochester, Albany, Westchester and Long Island, our
organization offers staff an exciting
and dynamic working environment and a strong commitment to teamwork, diversity, and personal/professional
development.
The Position
As a member
of the leadership team, the Chief Litigation Officer will lead the legal
work of Empire Justice and provide information,
technical assistance, supervision,
training and support to
staff on litigation and serve as a resource in
overseeing and managing ongoing relationships and capacity related
to
litigation and
legal assistance.
Primary responsibilities will include
- Litigation development and support
- Develop, manage, and supervise
Empire Justice Centers' systemic and impact litigation;
- Assure
that all individual litigation and direct client services are
appropriately supervised;
- Develop and manage scope
and structure of individual litigation and direct client services provided
by Empire Justice Center.
- Develop and expand
co-counseling and
collaborations with
partner organization and private
firms
- Leadership and Supervision
- Active participation
in the leadership of the
organization
- Support and supervise
a team of experienced and
newer attorneys;
- Develop and implement policies and
procedures related to litigation, representation, and
related matters
- Ensure the coordination
and systems change planning with VP for Policy and Government Relations
and policy staff.
Skills
- Project management
experience in assessing, identifying,
and implementing programming based
on the needs
of the organization;
- Proven supervisory and leadership
skills in a legal
program;
- Ability to shift priorities
while
working
in a fast paced
environment
with multiple competing objectives;
- Effective decision making
skills that balance overall organizational
and leadership objectives with employee
needs;
- Strong
writing
skills in legal drafting of
complex briefs,
pleadings, and motions;
- Strong
verbal communication skills required.
- Experience conducting all
phases of complex
civil litigation,
including but
not limited to: depositions, motion practice (including oral
argument), discovery
(including use
of experts),
and trial work
required. Experience with
appellate practice strongly preferred.
- Effective interpersonal
skills and the ability
to cultivate
partnerships and
to work
- with a diverse workforce.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment
to expanding
the rights of low income persons and increasing social
justice through individual and
systemic litigation
- Clear commitment to
principles of diversity and inclusion;
- Experience in practicing in both state
and federal courts;
- A demonstrated
history of achieving positive systemic change via class
action, major impact
or other systemic
litigation.
- Be admitted to
practice law in New York or eligible for admission to
the New York Bar at the time of hiring (must be
admitted within one year of hire);
- Juris Doctorate from
an accredited law school;
- At least
fifteen (15) years
relevant litigation experience, including experience
with complex civil litigation;
- Ability and willingness
to travel on a regular basis between
offices across
the state for effective supervision, mentoring
and training of staff
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate
with experience and based
on
the organization's salary scale. Empire Justice
Center
offers
a generous benefits
package, including health insurance, pension
and life insurance,
vacation, holiday, personal
and sick time. We are an
organization that supports
and encourages a work/life
balance.
Empire Justice
Center
is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action employer and desires a diverse work
force. People of color, women, persons with disabilities,
persons who are elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender are welcomed and
encouraged to
apply.
This position is available immediately. Applications
accepted until position filled. To apply, e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three
professional references to address below. No phone calls or
hard copies please. |