The
Legal Aid Society, the largest provider of social justice legal
services in the nation, has an immediate opening for an
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
230,000 people ensnared in the criminal legal system.
The Special Litigation Unit (SLU) handles a wide variety of
litigation that addresses the civil liberties and civil rights of our
clients. SLU consists of dedicated and passionate staff who provide
ongoing advice to staff on complex questions regarding criminal defense
and appeals and the collateral consequences of criminal records. Some of
SLU's innovative work also includes the Community Justice Unit, the
Decarceration Project, and Case Closed. Through the work of SLU,
systemic change is achieved. The Legal Aid Society was the driving force
of fundamental reform when we sued, and won, the right for people who
are arrested to be arraigned within 24 hours of arrest.
The AIC is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic
vision that advances the mission of the organization; working with staff
to develop potential cases, legal theories, and litigation strategies;
developing and managing our litigation docket; and engaging in public
education, legislative advocacy, and media outreach. The ideal candidate
also has a demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office; a
vision of racial and economic justice; and values and respects all
individuals in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and
expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic
circumstance.
The AIC is also responsible for 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.
Requirements
*
A minimum of 10 years of law reform litigation and advocacy, which must
include state and federal court experience regarding civil rights
litigation. Experience involving a nuanced understanding of
constitutional doctrine and the application of civil liberties
principles to contemporary controversies strongly preferred. *
Experience managing a team and strong commitment to team-building and
positive and inclusive organizational culture, including commitment to
work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or
conflicts. This leader will coach, mentor, and develop all staff to
advance their professional development and growth. * Has a track
record of strategic development of long-term policy plans, can establish
realistic objectives, maintain momentum, and evaluate progress of such
plans. * Experience with media advocacy and city, state, and federal legislative advocacy. * Excellent legal research, writing, verbal communication, and community outreach skills. *
A demonstrated ability to publicly communicate effectively with diverse
audiences, including the general public, national and local media,
policy makers and others. * A demonstrated ability to think creatively and work independently. *
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. * Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. * A commitment to the goals and mission of The Legal Aid Society. *
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. * Travel as required for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development. * Licensed to practice law in New York and admitted to federal court.
Only PDF documents will
be accepted. If your document is not a PDF, your application will not
be processed. Applications submitted without all the required materials
will not be processed.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The leadership
of The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous
advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense,
access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to
building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to
understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs.
Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.
The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer --
women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and
people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org opens an email client application . https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1143211&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000440708506#/
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