Staff Attorney

About The Organization

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 proceedings in the Family Courts and the Integrated Domestic Violence Parts of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. 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 wellbeing.

Under the leadership of the Borough Director, the staff attorney will work to effectuate the mission of CLC. The staff attorney will ensure that CLC maintains high standards of representation and client services. In collaboration with paralegals, social workers and a writing unit, staff attorneys maintain their own caseloads, taking responsibility for zealous representation from intake through trial.

• Perform other duties as requested.
• Conduct interviews with clients and other individuals.
• Handle court appearances.
• Subpoena or otherwise obtain all necessary documentation to prepare cases.
• Maintain comprehensive and well‑organized case files on case‑management system.
• Regularly handle intake and prepare cases for conference, negotiation or trial.
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy and facilitate its implementation.
• Properly evaluate strengths and weaknesses of a case.
• Explore alternatives to litigation and negotiate the best possible resolution for clients.
• Collaborate with the Writing, Social Work, Paralegal and Client Services teams to best represent CLC clients.
• Communicate with the Court, opposing counsel and others in a timely manner, as necessary.
• Maintain ethical standards of practice.
• Respond promptly to client, community and staff concerns.
• Attend training sessions pertinent to practice.
• Perform other duties as requested.

• Admitted to practice law in New York State.
• Demonstrated skills in advocacy, cultural competence, mediation and interviewing.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and policy.
• Preference for knowledge of family court, custody, domestic violence and child welfare.
• Experience teaming with colleagues to find solutions to complex situations.
• 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 ability to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Desire to work in a busy organization that represents children.

The expected salary range for this position is $77,265 – $129,805 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.

At The Children’s Law Center, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing. Offerings include health, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Employees may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This position requires the individual’s physical presence in court as needed and a minimum of two days per week in person at CLC’s offices in New York City.

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.