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Posted by: Human Resources - 3/22/2019
Job Expires: 4/12/2019
Staff Attorney - Attorneys for Children Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Attorneys for Children Unit.

Staff Attorneys are responsible for representing children in a broad variety of child welfare and juvenile justice matters, including neglect and abuse, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision, termination of parental rights, voluntary placements, surrenders, and child custody. Scope of representation also includes violation petitions, court reviews and permanency hearings, as well as any related or companion cases.  Practice is primarily conducted in Family Court, but may also require appearances in related matters in other administrative or judicial forums, as directed by supervising attorneys. 

Examples of Duties:  

  1. Interview clients on a routine basis. Interviews may take place in various settings, including our offices, court, private and foster homes, schools, daycare facilities, and residential placements.
  2. Advise, counsel and inform clients regarding the legal and life issues arising in their court proceedings, in a fashion appropriate to the child's age and developmental status 
  3. Collaborate with Unit Social Workers, Child Advocates, Paralegals, Senior Paralegals and the Bureau's Education Advocacy Program to address the client's legal status, as well as child safety, well-being, and permanency.
  4. Interview and/or gather information and records from collateral sources, such as caseworkers, educators, medical and mental health providers, foster parents, and family, as appropriate.
  5. Provide effective representation and advocacy in all Family Court proceedings, including arraignments, motion practice, hearings, trials, and court reviews.  
  6. Prepare legal papers, including petitions, discovery demands and documents, motions, memoranda of law, briefs, orders and judgments, and notices of appeal.
  7. Participate in negotiations, settlement conferences and mediations in Family Court.
  8. Draft necessary correspondence, file reports and file updates, and maintain detailed and accurate case file records.
  9. Preserve and identify legal issues for appeals and confer with the Unit's appellate counsel.
  10. Collaborate with Unit attorneys and consult with supervising attorneys, as needed, regarding legal representation of clients.
  11. Attend formal and informal meetings held by community-based service providers, schools or facilities, as needed or appropriate.
  12. Understand and identify community resources that service clients and their families.
  13. Research, interpret and apply the law in individual matters. Remain current regarding child welfare and juvenile justice laws and regulations and case law. 
  14. Respond promptly and professionally to telephone calls, emails and other communications.
  15. Participate in local and State committees, initiatives and/or trainings to address needs of client population.

 Employment Standards: Active membership in the State Bar of New York; and,

  1. Experience as an attorney in the practice of family law preferred; or
  2. A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
  3. Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.

Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and have a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours.

Knowledge of: Federal and state laws and regulations related to child welfare and juvenile justice practice; trial and court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; ethical and professional rules of conduct; and negotiation techniques.

This position is full-time. 

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE - Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Please send your cover letter and resume to resume@legalaidbuffalo.org or The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., Attention: Human Resources, 290 Main Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202 by April 12, 2019.

 

 
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