Program Director - Family Law Unit

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Director shall provide supervision and oversight of the Family Law Unit and staff consisting of supervisors, attorneys and legal assistants. FLU provides direct legal representation and Legal counseling to low-income community members and survivors of domestic violence, including  Direct representation  in Family Court and Supreme Court. In addition to supervision, the Program Director will provide representation and conduct community outreach, education, and training. The Program Director will be the liason for the Family Law grants, and attend meetings related to the various grants in addition to assigning cases under the grants.  

Program Operations & Administration

• Provide daily supervision of the Family Law Program including, but not limited to, maintaining workflow, establishing and maintaining program procedures, preparing legal forms, making staff assignments, conducting staff meetings, and coordinating vacation schedules.
• Coordinate Attorney Ex Parte expectations and schedules.
• Provide oversight of the Uncontested Divorce Program and the Rochester-Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium Coordinator.
• Supervise the Assigned County Program documents, including invoices and billing.
• Meet with other LASROC Directors and Supervisors, including management, to optimize unit performance.
• Participate in budget reviews and planning and prepare budget and program forms as requested by the Civil Division Director.

Client Services & Legal Representation

• Maintain a minimal caseload, including Divorce and Family Offense cases, court appearances, and appeals. This allows the Director to remain informed of staff experiences in Court, including challenges and successes. Meet the standards described in the “Staff Attorney” job description.
• Review cases for conflicts and eligibility, including financial eligibility.
• In cooperation with the Civil Division Director, establish and maintain intake procedures. This includes coordinating with the intake team and receptionists regarding program guidelines, responding to requests for clarification regarding conflicts, and reviewing decisions with clients.
• Meet with and coordinate delivery of services with other legal service providers and community agencies throughout Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Orleans, and Genesee Counties.

Grants, Reporting & Funding

• Attend FLU grant meetings and work with the Finance and Grants teams to develop staff allocations and ensure grant deliverables are met by staff and sub-grantees.
• Prepare grant program reports for funders or as requested by the Civil Division Director, including quarterly narrative reports for each grant.
• Review monthly program statistics and prepare necessary reports in consultation with the Grants Director.
• Participate in the preparation of funding proposals, Which may include some grant writing and program development.

Supervisory Duties 

• Meet with and supervise supervisory staff consisting of supervising legal assistants, attorneys, and team coordinators to ensure the smooth operation of the unit.
• Provide leadership and direction to direct reports, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and priorities for team members and monitor progress toward achieving them.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, balancing workload and ensuring optimal utilization of team resources.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages open communication, idea sharing, and teamwork.
• Mentor and coach team members to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career growth within the organization.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the organization’s values and culture.
• Handle escalated issues or conflicts within the team, providing guidance and facilitating timely resolution.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide feedback, support professional development, and address performance concerns.
  
• Conduct performance reviews and liaise with Human Resources regarding employee coaching, disciplinary matters, and Performance Improvement Plans.
  
• Review and approve employee timecards and manage time off requests to ensure adequate program coverage.
• Participate in the hiring process for all program staff and provide onboarding and training to new employees.
• Prepare, implement, and maintain a training program for Family Law Program staff.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Juris Doctor.
• Admission to the New York Bar with a minimum of 5 years.
• Previous experience in management or as a practicing attorney.
• High level of initiative, independence, and organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Excellent skill in legal research.
• Excellent negotiating ability.
• Ability to think and speak quickly and accurately. 
• Respect and consideration towards our clients. 
• Possess strong PC skills to include Word and Excel, Teams
• Ability to use Legal Server with expertise
• 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
  • Employer contribution to HSA or FSA
• Paid Parking
• Paid lunch hour
  
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

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.