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Posted by: The Legal Aid Society - 4/25/2019
Job Expires: 6/1/2019
Criminal Defense Practice Attorney-in-Charge, Special Litigation Unit

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.

Location
Citywide

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 .

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1143211&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000440708506#/

 
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