Staff Attorney, Early Defense

Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island - New York, NY 10013 Position Type: Full-Time Education Level: Graduate School Degree Salary: $86,800 - $107,500 per year Location: Remote or in person in alignment with CFR’s telecommuting policy. This position may work out of any of the following offices: Staten Island, Lower Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. Anticipated Start Date: September 14, 2026 Job Description Responsibilities Conduct intake and client interviews and assess whether clients qualify for Early Defense representation, and connect to other organizations as needed. Carry a caseload, both through Early Defense intake screening and case assignment for attorney support as appropriate, and collaborate with other Early Defense staff to provide client-centered legal advice and representation to parents during family policing system investigations and meet the objectives of clients who retain CFR for Early Defense representation. Strategically communicate with legal representatives of respective agencies involved in a family policing investigation (e.g., DOE, Hospital, ACS, PPRS, etc.). Deliver and monitor a variety of written and oral communications including Early Defense Retainers, Client’s Rights and Responsibilities, practice resources, internal memos, and important messaging for internal and external use. Think creatively around strategies and practices to shield Early Defense clients from the Family Policing System: Use of Standby Guardianship Agreements and Designation of Person with Parental Relationship Advising on voluntary placements Drafting petitions for custody and guardianship and writs of habeas corpus. Develop strategic relationships with other organizations that regularly interact with our client population (e.g., legal defender organizations, ACS, and other agencies) to forward the goals of the Early Defense practice and its clients. Attend regular internal meetings with other Early Defense Staff. Collaborate with Family Defense Practices in all boroughs for transition support, providing in‑person intake support, hearing preparation support, and co‑counseling initial hearings. Support Complex Litigation Teams for Early Defense clients facing medically complicated cases, including supporting the team on record collection and review, hearing preparation, and in‑person team support upon filing. Issue spot due process violations and other potential claims for review for referral to impact litigation work. Collaborate with CFR’s wraparound and practice areas including criminal, immigration, SCR, and civil defense. Serve as a liaison between the Early Defense Department and Policy Department to connect Early Defense work to larger policy goals that impact our clients and their communities. Track and record activities, outcomes, and deliverables in the CMS internal data collection system and client legal notes. Assist in efforts to conduct community outreach, presentations, and develop training materials for parents, mandated reporters, external stakeholders/partners, and CFR staff. Qualifications Juris Doctor degree. Minimum 1 year of experience in direct client representation in family defense, preferably in New York City. Knowledge of New York City Article 10 institutional providers and system actors. Demonstrated commitment to working with impacted communities to achieve change. Experience with legislation and/or coalition membership preferred, as is experience in parent defense, Article 10 proceedings, CVO cases, and/or other administrative hearing support (SCR, HRA, DOE). Aptitude for productive problem‑solving. Ability to positively and productively contribute to the work culture at CFR and work with staff at all levels. Strong written and oral advocacy skills. Excellent organization and efficient project management, able to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously. Salary & Benefits CFR strives to create an inclusive and antiracist environment for all of its staff; candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CFR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Annualized Salary: $86,800 (L1) - $107,500 (L10) Travel: This position is a cross‑borough role. While primarily remote or based in the chosen office, the staff attorney may need to travel to any of the five boroughs as required by client cases. #J-18808-Ljbffr Family Representation, Inc.