Description

The Warren County Public Defender’s Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender (APD) for family defense work. This APD will represent indigent parents, guardians, and caretakers who are named respondents in family court proceedings in Warren County. The APD will handle all manner of cases initiated under the Family Court Act, including custody and visitation, paternity, child support, abuse/neglect petitions, and family offense matters. This attorney will conduct initial intake meetings with eligible clients, engage in factual investigations and legal research, employ motion practice, and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court. The APD will also work closely with our Family Court Case Manager to address clients’ non-legal needs, such as mental health treatment, housing and transportation assistance, health insurance and employment assistance, towards the goal of maintaining or achieving family unification and preventing government interference in the family unit where appropriate. This position is supervised by the Public Defender and First Assistant PD, who will provide guidance and mentorship in navigating family court practice. The attorney will also enjoy extensive flexibility to exercise independent judgment in crafting legal strategies for zealous client advocacy, and to confer with other Family Court APDs on their cases. 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Represent and advise respondents at every stage of family court proceedings;
• Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court;
• Draft, file, and argue written motions seeking various forms of relief such as increased visitation or child support;
• Collaborate with other APDs and support staff to provide specialized services and comprehensive assistance to clients who may be entwined in both criminal and family court proceedings simultaneously;
• Attend training and legal education courses to build litigation skills, develop knowledge, and stay up to date on new caselaw and statutory changes;
• Maintain consistent and open lines of communication with clients to ensure they are working towards goals which will help achieve their desired outcomes; and
• Confer with Family Court judges, court attorneys, opposing counsel, and attorneys for the child to negotiate mutually agreeable settlements where appropriate.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: License to practice law in the State of New York at time of appointment

Preferred:

• Experience practicing family defense law, particularly in FCA Article 10 cases;
• Strong desire to advocate on behalf of clients facing family separation;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a willingness to work with clients and build rapport in heightened emotional circumstances;
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members within the Public Defender’s Office and with other County agencies;
• Works independently, with the benefit of senior advisement and mentorship;
• Proficient at working in busy office environment, able to multitask and maintain flexibility; and
• Possession of strong organizational skills, with ability to manage full caseload and prioritize tasks where court appearances are often on short notice.

SALARY: $94,906--$122,471 annually + benefits (pension, comprehensive health plan w/ vision/dental, paid holidays/sick time/personal days/vacation/flex time, deferred compensation plan, CLE courses including travel expenses, license renewal fees, bar association dues, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)).

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to: Erin K. Komon, Esq., Warren County Public Defender's Office, 1340 State Route 9, Lake George, New York 12845, komone@warrencountyny.gov