Attorney-in-Charge, Civil Citywide Units

Overview

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking an experienced lawyer with a deep commitment to public interest leadership, practice, and policy. This Attorney-in-Charge of Civil Citywide Units will join a team across five boroughs representing NYC residents in a broad spectrum of specialties through the Economic Equities Project (Community Development Unit, Consumer Law Unit, Predatory Lending and Foreclosure Project, and Tax Law Unit), Education Law Practice, Employment Law Unit, Government Benefits & Disability Advocacy Project, Family Law/DV Unit, and Health Law Unit.

The Attorney-in-Charge will coordinate and support these units and supervise the Directors of these units. They report to the Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice and are responsible for the smooth and effective running of the Citywide Units, oversight of grants supporting these units, and providing legal and organizational leadership. The role includes participation in practice-wide management discussions, maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the legal system and service communities, and with funders.

The successful candidate will be strategic, collaborative, and committed to advancing the organization’s mission and strengthening its impact. They will inspire staff, foster innovation, champion best practices across the Civil Practice, shape organizational priorities, scale programs, and position The Legal Aid Society as a leader in civil legal services and social justice. They will demonstrate vision, adaptability, and a willingness to grow within the role, serving as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the legal community.

As a key member of the organization’s leadership, the Attorney-in-Charge will help shape strategic priorities, mentor emerging leaders, and build bridges with communities most impacted by the criminal legal system. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, advocate with integrity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of New Yorkers.

• Leadership – Support the needs of the entire organization by providing essential services or coordinating key initiatives.
• Lead organizational and culture development for the unit.
• Supervise and mentor Directors.
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service.
• Respond to client, community and staff concerns.
• Drive efficiency and optimize workflows to support organization-wide objectives.
• Manage initiatives that impact multiple departments, focusing on outcomes and results.
• Adapt quickly to changing needs and requests from various colleagues.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential issues impacting department and organizational effectiveness.
• Evaluate needs and identify necessary resources for Citywide units.
• Identify, delegate, and document work responsibilities, roles, and procedures to meet the mission of the organization.
• Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following LAS policy and procedures.
• Attend management meetings and trainings, and utilize current employment policies and guidance.
• Implement management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback, coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed.
• Identify and provide training opportunities and ensure mandatory trainings are completed.
• Resolve employee conflict, complaints, and address union concerns with guidance from Human Resources.

• Assist with fundraising, development, implementation, and reporting of programs.
• Provide oversight on all grant reporting from Citywide Units.
• Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces.

• Coordinate with Law Reform Unit in the development of impact and/or affirmative litigation and advocacy strategies.
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategy, and supervise implementation of legal strategies.
• Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives.

• Develop and maintain community support and relationships with…