Deputy Director for Litigation Services

POSITION TITLE Deputy Director for Litigation Services (FT)

PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Senior Leadership

OFFICE LOCATION Utica, Binghamton, Oneonta, Oswego, Syracuse, Watertown

SALARY RANGE $124,062-$157,594 (DOE)

SUPERVISOR Executive Director

POSTING DATE April 26, 2024

DEADLINE DATE May 24, 2024

MISSION STATEMENT

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State.

JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy Director for Litigation Services, under the direction of the Executive Director, will a hold key senior leadership and decision-making role at LASMNY, supervising, maintaining, and strategically managing the agency’s legal programs. This position is an integral part of executive team and will be responsible for the effective management of LASMNY’s programs and day-to-day operations. Will collaborate with LASMNY’s executive team to support staff development and growth, manage grant deliverables, and ensure compliance with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), other grant requirements and LASMNY regulations, policies and procedures. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal and program oversight of designated units and projects, including providing effective

professional development, coaching, and mentoring.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and executive team to identify and advance policy initiatives

consistent with LASMNY’s mission.

• Lead and promote an organizational culture that embraces LASMNY’s mission and values.

• Partner with the executive team in providing direction and leadership of the organization, including the

development, funding, implementation, and reporting for grants and projects.

• Collaborate with programs to determine staffing plans to achieve program goals and objectives.

• Work with management to develop, evaluate and monitor caseloads and legal work of all program

attorneys and paralegals.

• Serve as a spokesperson for LASMNY at meetings with stakeholders.

• Liaise with the Board of Directors, including delivering regular presentations on program activities and

projects.

• Actively develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, funders,

government agencies, elected officials, and courts.

• Advocate with state and local officials, to maintain and build funding for legal services.

• Cultivate an organizational culture of excellence through creativity and innovation.

• Assist in strengthening internal dialogue to promote transparency and engagement between

management and staff.

• Support building organizational diversity and institutionalizing systems that ensure an inclusive work

environment for all staff.

• Respond to client, community, and staff concerns.

• Provide perspective and assist in operationalizing goals for staff development, increased retention, and

developing a pipeline of a talented and diverse staff.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Promote systems for identifying and carrying out high-quality impact litigation and policy advocacy with

a focus on LASMNY’s priority areas.

• Act as a catalyst for the identification of systemic issues that affect LASMNY’s clients and generate critical

thinking among staff members.

• Mentor attorneys at all levels, teaching litigation strategies and developing the litigation skills of the

program’s attorneys.

• Co-counsel, coordinate, support, and participate in major or complex litigation.

• Assist staff with remaining current on procedural and substantive law as well as policy and research

issues regarding LASMNY’s priority areas and broader issues affecting the client community.

• Support implementation of best practices to help ensure knowledge sharing across offices and practice

areas.

• Work with the executive team to develop and implement policies, procedures and standards relevant to

legal work.

• Manage the recruitment, supervision, professional development, case assignment and review with

case handlers, performance management, employee relation discussions and disciplinary actions for

staff in the designated branch office and program.

• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.

• Manage data related to grant reporting process.

• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.

• Serve as a signatory on checks and ensure the fiscal integrity of LASMNY funds.

• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel,

community members, bar associations, etc.

• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.

• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including presenting and completing Continuing Legal

Education (CLS) courses.

• Engage in outreach and community education.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Comply with LSC and LASMNY regulations, policies and procedures, to include but not limited to the

Case Management Policy and grant based reporting requirements.

• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon LASMNY needs and requirements as assigned by the

Executive Director.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree and admission to the New York State bar are required.

• Ten or more years of legal practice required.

• Five or more years of experience supervising attorneys strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated commitment and experience in mentoring and training less-experienced attorneys.

• Experience establishing and maintaining harmonious relationships with stakeholders, including other

nonprofit and legal aid organizations.

• Understanding of financial and budgeting practices.

• Demonstrated commitment to serve low-income community members.

• Ability to manage LASMNY’s case management system(s) to ensure accurate data collection and

statistical tracking.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research;

• Bilingual or multilingual a plus;

• Travel is required to provide on-site support to staff in multiple offices.

LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental,

Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice for All | Diversity.Equity.Inclusion

Visit us at www.lasmny.org