Trial Supervisor, Special Projects

About the Organization
The Children's Law Center (CLC) is a non-profit legal services organization that represents children in custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, family offense, and related child protective (abuse or neglect) proceedings in the Family Courts and the Integrated Domestic Violence Parts of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and in appeals therefrom. CLC represents approximately 5,000 children annually in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, providing holistic and zealous representation and support in the Court, the community and the legislature. CLC's mission is to empower our clients, prevent trauma and promote wellbeing.

Job description

Under the leadership of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, the Special Projects Trial Supervisor will develop specialized programs for trial practice; supervise pro bono projects with law firms; collaborate with trial and appeals teams to identify appropriate cases for referral; develop affirmative litigation strategies; assist with the development and coordination of amicus briefs for appropriate case locally and nationally; work with the development and communications teams as necessary to support CLC projects and programs; maintain trial case load as appropriate.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Litigation and Management

• Assist the Borough Directors in the supervision of the Unit’s direct legal work, with a focus on pro bono cases, affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategies, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
• Coordinate with trial and writing teams to identify opportunities to include pro bono representations and develop high quality and prompt written motions, petitions and referrals for appeals
• Maintain a reasonable individual trial caseload, handling complex cases as needed
• Assist the Executive Director and Deputy Director in outreach to law firms, supervision of pro bono volunteers’ legal work, including motions, stays, appeals, impact and affirmative litigation, and policy advocacy
• Conduct or coordinate emergency intake for writs when necessary
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
• Assist with the development, funding, implementation, and reporting of grants and programs as necessary
• Ensure collaboration with social worker unit
• Mentor trial staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development
• Mentor pro bono attorneys, providing guidance and support in their work with our clients
• Attend management meetings, participate in training, and provide creative, problem-solving leadership
• Conduct management and supervision practices that support equity and inclusion
• Professional Development and other duties as assigned
• Participate in continuous professional development; present at conferences to promote the organization and children’s representation
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Key Qualifications and Competencies

• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Minimum four years legal practice experience; preferably in family and/or juvenile law and/or experience providing pro bono representation
• Demonstrated litigation skills.
• Strong interviewing, advocacy, practice and cultural competence skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• In-depth knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence and child welfare.
• Demonstrated cross-functional teaming experience finding solutions to complex situations.
• Effective communication (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue to learn new skills, grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges.
• Demonstrated attention to detail along with outstanding initiative, analytical, critical thinking and problem resolution skills.
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and the ability to prioritize, track and manage multiple requests simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skills as a regular user, of Legal Server and on-line research tools such as Lexis.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.

Salary Requirements
The expected salary range for this position ranges from $89,000 - $152,717.85 (step calculation plus $15k) annually.

Benefits
At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing. Our offerings include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan including employer contribution and match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and balanced work environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As an employee of The Children’s Law Center, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, please visit

Hybrid Schedule
This is a management position which currently requires the individual’s physical presence three days per week and additional time as required by Court or for meetings.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Children's Law Center is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.