Trial Attorney, Youth Guardianship Project

Job Description

Job Description

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 equity and wellbeing.

General Trial Attorney Description
CLC’s Trial Attorneys provide direct representation to children in proceedings that directly impact their lives. Our Attorneys provide legal advocacy in court and coordinate with paralegals and social workers to ensure that children receive the support that they need. Our clients frequently have complex histories, including family dissolution and conflict, domestic violence, migration, mental health issues, and educational challenges among other needs.

CLC is looking for an attorney who can provide specialized support to represent young people in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in Family Court and assist with the referral and coordination of service for immigration proceedings thereafter. This attorney will report to Youth Guardianship Project Trial Supervisor and will work with the YGP Paralegals.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Our Trial Attorneys are passionate advocates for our individual clients and are dedicated to advancing children’s rights. Specifically, trial attorneys:

• Conduct interviews with clients and other individuals.
• Handle court appearances including conducting direct and cross examinations, oral and written motions.
• Subpoena or otherwise obtain all necessary documentation to prepare cases.
• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized case files on case management system.
• Regularly handle intake, comprehensively prepare cases for conference, negotiation or trial.
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy and facilitate its implementation.
• Collaborate with the Writing, Social Work, Paralegal and Client Services teams to best represent CLC clients.
• Regularly and appropriately respond to court, client, community and staff concerns and maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.
• Attend training sessions pertinent to practice.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Key Qualifications and Competencies:

• Admitted to practice law in New York State
• Demonstrated skills in advocacy, cultural competence, and interviewing.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• Knowledge of family court, immigration, domestic violence and/or child welfare practice.
• Superb interpersonal skills, effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to continue learning new skills and grow professionally and take an optimistic approach to new challenges.
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and able to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Desire to work in a busy organization that represents children.
• Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Salary Requirements
The expected salary range for this position ranges from $86,700 – $140,472.20 annually. Salary offers, pursuant to the CLC Collective Bargaining Agreement, are based on the number of years employed in a legal position including performed work analogous to the practice of law.

Benefits
At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being. 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 position currently requires the individual’s physical presence (no less than two (2) days per week, plus up to an additional two (2) days per month that are designated as team days) at CLC’s offices in New York City; additional in person requirements may be required by the Court. This position will be assigned to work in the Brooklyn office at 44 Court Street.

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. 

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