Supervising Attorney, Employment Law Unit #24-202 The Legal Aid Society Justice in Every Borough

The Civil Practice of The Legal Aid Society is seeking an experienced and talented lawyer with a deep commitment to serving low-income workers to join a dedicated team as a Supervising Attorney in the Employment Law Unit. Applicants must have some experience litigating employment law cases and a demonstrated commitment to addressing fundamental issues of poverty and justice.

The Employment Law Unit provides legal services to low-wage and unemployed workers. Most of the Employment Law Unit's cases involve violations of wage-and-hour laws, workplace discrimination, family and medical leave, labor trafficking, and claims for unemployment insurance. In its discrimination cases, ELU assists the most vulnerable New Yorkers who are sexually harassed, discriminated against based on race, national origin, immigration status, pregnancy, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a domestic violence victim, or criminal background, or who are denied reasonable accommodations needed due to pregnancy or disabilities.

The Employment Law Unit's docket includes complex individual, group, and class cases in federal and state court and other forums, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the New York State Department of Labor. Our clients are overwhelmingly people of color living paycheck to paycheck.

The Employment Law Unit's multi-pronged approach to systemic problems allows it to magnify its impact beyond any one case to create more equitable conditions for workers and communities in New York City and throughout New York State. The Employment Law Unit engages in extensive policy and legislative advocacy, leading to changes that improve the lives of millions of low-income New Yorkers. In addition, the Employment Law Unit works with community organizations, conducting trainings on workers' rights, providing legal advice and assistance, and responding to community concerns.

Unlike any other legal services provider, due to its size and diverse practice areas, Legal Aid is able to provide in-house, holistic legal services. In many cases, the Employment Law Unit collaborates with Legal Aid's Criminal Defense Practice, as well as other Civil units. For example, The Employment Law Unit works closely with the Immigration Law Unit to obtain immigration protection for workers, including U and T visas. This is important because undocumented workers are frequently exploited by unscrupulous employers.

Working closely with the Director of the Unit, the Supervisor will supervise staff attorneys and paralegals and maintain a reasonable individual caseload. The Supervisor is also expected to maintain relationships with our constituent communities through policy work, community education, and press engagements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Litigation and Management

• Assist the Director of the Unit in the supervision of the Unit's direct legal work, including impact and affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach
• Analyze legal issues, develop legal strategies, and supervise the implementation of legal strategies
• Develop impact and affirmative litigation
• Maintain a reasonable individual caseload, handling complex cases as needed
• Coordinate intake processes to ensure efficient handling of cases
• Conduct off-site intake, including during evening hours as needed
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
• Respond to client, community, and staff concerns, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly
• Assist with the development, funding, implementation, and reporting of grants and programs
• Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives within the Unit

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
• Conduct community education, training, and outreach, promoting the work of the office, the Employment Law Unit, and the Civil Practice
• Represent the Employment Law Unit, the Civil Practice, and Legal Aid in the community, participating in policy work, community education, and press engagements
• Assist with planning and conducting citywide and statewide coalition meetings and task forces
• Support the development of strategic offerings/initiatives, related policies, and procedures, ensuring they align with the mission of the Unit and the broader goals of the organization

Team Development and Supervision

• Evaluate staff performance and reinforce accountability
• Mentor staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development
• Supervise staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers, ensuring high standards of representation and client service
• Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off, and manage staffing changes
• Attend management meetings, participate in training, and utilize current employment policies and practices
• Conduct management and supervision practices that support equity and inclusion

Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned

• Participate in continuous professional development
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Please submit these documents as a single combined PDF when you apply via the LAS (Legal Aid Society) Recruitment Portal.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample