Staff Attorney - Attorney for the Child

JOB SUMMARY

The Attorney for the Child provides high-quality legal representation to children and youth in Monroe County Family Court proceedings. The attorney represents clients in a variety of matters, including juvenile delinquency, Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS), abuse and neglect, foster care placement, custody, visitation, and related Family Court proceedings. The attorney is responsible for case preparation, advocacy, legal research, client communication, and collaboration with social workers and other professionals to effectively represent each client's interests. The attorney also participates in community outreach, education, and training activities as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Provide legal advice, counsel, and representation to children and youth in Family Court proceedings.

- Manage an assigned caseload and provide effective, timely, and zealous advocacy throughout each matter.

- Interview and communicate with clients to understand their circumstances, goals, concerns, and legal needs.

- Conduct case investigation, discovery, and legal research as necessary to effectively represent clients.

- Draft, review, and file pleadings, motions, notices, memoranda, and other legal documents.

- Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and, as appropriate, other parties, agencies, and professionals involved in the matter.

- Represent clients at conferences, appearances, hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.

- File notices of appeal, settle orders and records, and represent clients in post-dispositional and appellate matters as appropriate.

- Collaborate with and provide legal guidance to the assigned social worker, including reviewing case information and coordinating legal and social work strategies.

- Collaborate with legal support staff and review case-related work as necessary to ensure accurate, timely, and effective case management.

- Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case documentation and client contacts in LegalServer.

- Maintain current knowledge of applicable statutes, regulations, court rules, and case law affecting Family Court practice and the representation of children.

- Participate in continuing legal education and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance legal knowledge and skills.

- Provide community outreach, education, and training to community partners and other stakeholders as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES

- Attend and participate in Attorney for the Child Unit meetings and general LASROC meetings, gatherings, and organizational activities.

- Provide legal support, consultation, or assistance to other programs and organization initiatives as needed.

- Participate in special projects, committees, or other activities that support the mission and goals of LASROC.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney or Director, Juvenile Justice Division.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.

- Admission to the New York State Bar preferred; candidates who have received their JD and are awaiting the July 2026 bar examination may be considered.

- Knowledge of New York Family Court practice, child welfare systems, and legal issues affecting children and families preferred.

- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to learn and effectively use case management and other technology systems, including LegalServer.

- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.

- Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

- High level of initiative, self-motivation, organization, and attention to detail.

- Ability to manage an assigned caseload, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Ability to communicate thoughts, legal concepts, and case information effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing.

- Ability to establish and maintain respectful, professional, and empathetic relationships with clients, including children and youth experiencing challenging circumstances.

- Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, social workers, support staff, court personnel, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.

- Ability to work effectively in a remote or hybrid work environment using virtual collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

- Access to reliable transportation for travel to court, client meetings, and community locations.

- Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

- Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.

- Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.

- Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

- Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.

- Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.

- Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.

- Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.

- Work will be performed in an in-office environment.

- Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events.

BENEFITS

- Hybrid work schedule

- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

- Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans

- Up to:

15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)

- 96 hours of sick leave

- 48 hours of personal time

- 14 paid holidays a year

- $600 per year internet stipend

- 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice

- $3,000 salary differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language

- Paid lunch hour

- Professional development opportunities

- Employee Assistance Program

- Employer contribution toward parking fees

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.