Assistant counsel - family court counsel

Duties Description The Assistant Counsel will assist in the efforts undertaken by the Office of Indigent Legal Services (“ILS”) to improve the quality of representation in family court proceedings under County Law Article 18-B (“Family Court representation”). The incumbent of this position will work in concert with other members of the Family Court Representation Team at ILS and serve as one of the attorneys, reporting to the Director, Family Court Representation Team, who works under the guidance of the Director of ILS (“Director”) and agency Counsel (“Counsel”). All case-related information and knowledge obtained in the performance of these duties is highly confidential and may be subject to attorney-client privilege.

Specific responsibilities would include:

• Working closely with ILS staff, including members of the Family Court Representation Team, county officials, legal representation providers and other affiliated organizations and individuals to address the obstacles to high quality legal representation provided for parents and other legally responsible adults in Family Court matters, pursuant to Family Court Act § 262;
• Serving as a point person for a region of the state, assisting in the development and implementation of programs, initiatives, and grant proposals to fulfill ILS’s responsibility to make efforts to improve the quality of Family Court representation;
• Assisting in the development of curricula and training materials for the representation of parents in Family Court matters;
• Utilizing technology such as podcasts, webinars, and other electronic delivery methods to deliver educational content for the legal representation of parents in Family Court matters;
• Assisting with the planning, conducting, and evaluation of a biennial state-wide conference;
• Monitoring and developing content for the ILSFAM listserv, such as, periodic case digests and legislative updates, training opportunities, and current events;
• When necessary, assisting in the drafting and updating of Standards of Practice of legally mandated Family Court representation;
• Collaborating with others at ILS, including the Research Team, to collect and analyze Family Court representation data;
• Assisting in the preparation of reports as needed in support of ILS’s responsibility to examine, evaluate, and monitor provision of legally mandated representation in family court proceedings; and
• Undertaking such other activities as may be requested by the Director of the Family Court Representation Team, the Director, and Counsel in furtherance of the Office’s overall responsibility to improve the quality of public defense representation under County Law Article 18-B.

Minimum Qualifications Admission to the New York State Bar and two years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to Bar admission.

The ideal candidate will have 5 or more years’ experience in representing low-income parents in Family Court matters; a demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of constitutional and statutorily mandated representation; and a collegial and collaborative approach to completing projects.

NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.

Additional Comments The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to people facing criminal charges or Family Court proceedings who cannot afford counsel. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.

ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.

We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:
• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Health Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Advantage Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan

ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS’s policies, subject to supervisor approval.

The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there’s much to enjoy and explore.

Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit

The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at [email protected].

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.