Assistant Supervising Attorney

Summary of Responsibilities:

NLS is seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for innovation, litigation experience, and a commitment to increasing access to legal services for low-income Western New Yorkers to join its dedicated team of managers, staff attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as an Assistant Supervising Attorney of the Family Unit.

The Assistant Supervising Attorney will be responsible for assisting with the direct supervision and training of Family Unit staff. Direct supervision will include substantive supervision of staff caseloads, regular case reviews, and ensuring compliance with office-wide policies and Legal Services Corporation regulations. The responsibilities will also include maintaining a caseload of various family and matrimonial cases. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the Supervising Attorney of the Family Unit to shape the direction of the Unit. The Assistant Supervising Attorney will also work with the Supervising Attorney to handle administrative and grant responsibilities and to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities. This is a non-union position.

Essential Responsibilities / Functions:

• Reporting to the Family Unit’s Supervising Attorney, the Assistant Supervising Attorney will assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the unit. The successful applicant will be located primarily in Buffalo but will assist with the supervision of attorneys and staff in the Niagara County offices.
• Assist with administrative duties, including developing and implementing policies and procedures for the Unit, assuring that these policies and procedures are integrated with and conform to those of the organization.
• Assist with developing and implementing training procedures for new staff and piloting ways to increase longevity with new staff.
• Maintain a moderate caseload to stay actively engaged in the legal community and up to date on current trends in family and matrimonial law.
• Ensure that staff maintain case and client records as required in our computerized case management program and as required by funders and ethical standards.
• Develop and implement a community outreach and education plan to reach NLS’ service area.
• Review applications for service and make eligibility determinations in accordance with grant and funding requirements and assist with work assignments.
• Work closely with members of NLS’ management team, including finance, grants compliance, and HR staff in ensuring compliance with the organization’s fiscal and personnel policies and procedures.
• Develop relationships and engage in collaborations with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community-based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing our client community.
• Committed to leading by example, high professional integrity, and maintaining civility in all interactions with staff, legal opponents, and community-at-large, and capable of addressing client and staff concerns in an empathetic and confident manner.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary range is $110,000-125,000 and is based on experience.

NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy that includes: 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year's; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.