Staff Attorney - Family Law Unit

JOB SUMMARY

Provide legal representation and counsel to low and middle-income litigants in Family and Supreme Court, including representation in matrimonial and family law matters in Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Wayne and surrounding counties, with a focus on representation of victims of domestic violence. Services include direct legal representation, counseling, community outreach, education, and training. The Staff attorney may also provide on-site support and advocacy at the Willow Family Justice Center and collaborate with community partners to deliver comprehensive services. This position is part of a team dedicated to providing high-quality civil legal services to low and moderate-income individuals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide legal counsel and representation in matrimonial and family law proceedings, including all stages of litigation.

Draft, review, and file petitions, pleadings, motions, orders, notices of appeal, memorandum of law, order to show cause, emergency actions and other legal documents.

Conduct in person client interviews and gather relevant facts for case development.

Conduct discovery, investigations, and legal research as required for case preparation.

Represent clients at court appearances, hearings, conferences, and related proceedings in Family Court and Supreme Court.

Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and other parties to achieve favorable client outcomes.

Represent clients in post-dispositional proceedings, including preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and other post judgment appearances.

Conduct safety planning with domestic violence survivors and provide appropriate referrals (e.g., shelter, counseling, and supportive services).

Collaborate with and review the work of assigned support staff as needed.

Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all client contacts and case activity in LegalServer or other case management systems.

Stay current on relevant legislative changes, case law, and best practices; participate in continuing legal education (CLE) training.

Participate in community outreach, education, and training related to family law and domestic violence services, including through work with our grant partners, the Willow Domestic Violence Center and the Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium

Provide information about legal rights, domestic violence resources, and agency services to community partners and stakeholders.

Travel across multiple counties as required to represent clients and attend court proceedings or related meetings.

Participate in office-wide functions, including staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives.

Provide legal support to other programs within the organization as needed.

Provide ex-parte legal advice in Monroe County Family Court in collaboration with the Willow Court Advocacy Program to survivors who may be in crisis.

OTHER DUTIES

Attend continuing legal education (CLE) and professional development trainings.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners to support client needs.

Provide on-site support at community partner locations, including domestic violence service centers, as assigned.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Director, Family Law Unit.

Participate in outreach and advocacy initiatives aligned with organizational mission and priorities.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Juris Doctor (JD) required.

Admission to the New York State Bar required; candidates who have received their JD and qualify for a judicial practice order may also be considered.

Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with case management systems preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other online meeting platforms;

Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

Strong negotiating and litigation skills with the ability to advocate effectively in court.

High level of initiative, independence, and organizational skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.

Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work both independently and collaboratively.

Demonstrated ability to work respectfully, empathetically and with a trauma informed lens to serve our diverse client population.

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.

Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities.

Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel across multiple counties.

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

Paid Lunch Hour

Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans

Up to:

15 days of vacation to start (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

Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language

Professional development opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

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.