Description

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Managing Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit (CDU). Under the direction of the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo CDU Chief Attorney, the Managing Attorney performs a variety of direct defense, administrative, and supervisory activities in the area of criminal law; predominantly the defense of indigent persons in Buffalo City Court, Erie County and Supreme Court, and any other Court where the CDU practices, or may in the future practice.

The Managing Attorney-Trial Advocacy is responsible for providing direct legal defense, overseeing administrative operations, and supervising staff within the Criminal Defense Unit (CDU). This position will lead the development and delivery of trial technique training for attorneys at all experience levels, while providing real-time strategic guidance and feedback throughout all phases of litigation. The Managing Attorney ensures high-quality legal representation while also contributing to the strategic and operational management of the unit.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through quality, client-centered and holistic legal representation. 

Why Join Us?

    Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $109,000 to $127,000, commensurate with your experience.

    Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o   Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.

o   Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.

o   Paid parenthood leave plan

o   401(k) retirement plan.

o   Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings 

o   Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.

    Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides high quality, zealous, direct representation for up to 10% of the Criminal Defense Unit’s caseload, which includes, but is not limited to acting as second-chair, providing support and/or direct representation in Superior Court bail motions, hearings, trials and/or arraignments, when required.
• Designs, develops, and leads comprehensive trial technique training programs tailored to attorneys at all levels of experience.
• Delivers regional trial technique training sessions as needed to support skill development and consistency across locations.
• Provides strategic, real-time guidance and feedback on trial techniques and litigation strategy throughout all phases of the litigation process.
• Engages in the training, mentoring, and coaching of interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, legal assistants, investigators and/or law students. This includes providing timely performance feedback.
• Conducts and shares regular, periodic evaluations of supervised attorneys by engaging in bi-weekly meetings and conducting regularly scheduled evaluations.
• Executes regular, periodic evaluations of the Unit’s client services by completing timely pre-assignment case conflict checks and conducting reviews of supervised attorney files at time of closing.
• Oversees adherence to ILS, NYSBA and other Bureau adopted standards for providing quality mandated representation by each supervising attorney.
• Assists in developing, implementing and maintaining comprehensive Unit and Bureau training curricula for supervised attorneys. 
• Participates in case conferencing with supervised attorneys and/or other Bureau Units when required.
• Documents significant performance events and conversations about those events. Communicates staff performance and employee relations concerns to Human Resources and Chief Attorney.
• Collaborates regularly with the CEO, CDU Deputy Executive Director and CDU Chief Attorney to address and manage all matters related to impact litigation and any special projects of the CDU and the Bureau.
• Coordinates holistic representation of criminal defense clients in collaboration with the Holistic Representation Program (HRP) and Regional Immigration Assistance Center (RIAC).
• Engages in regular observation of court hearings and trials and provides feedback on observations, when necessary.
• Works closely with CDU, HRP and RIAC management in ensuring quality, holistic criminal defense representation of the Bureau’s clients, which includes, but is not limited to, providing regular monthly reports and supporting Unit and Bureau initiatives.
• Demonstrates proficiency of the Bureau’s technology, including, but not limited to Legal Server/Laserfiche and provide data and/or document reports, when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Attorney-Criminal Defense Unit and Deputy Executive Director-Criminal Defense Unit.

Employment Standards: Admitted to practice and in good standing with the New York State Bar; and 

At least seven years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal defense with at least ten felony jury trials preferred, ten years of experience is preferred.
Experience in training or teaching trial advocacy is preferred; or a combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities. 
Managerial experience preferred. 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Requires knowledge of statutory laws related to practicing Criminal Law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Corrections Law and Judiciary Law; trial and appellate court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct. 
Must be able to perform high volume of administrative responsibilities.
Needs to exhibit the ability to effectively supervise and support diverse personalities.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication abilities across diverse audiences and settings. 
Must demonstrate strategic thinking and ability to analyze information and data.
Expected to lead with vision and manage effectively across organizational systems to support long-term goals. 
Must have reliable transportation and license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position. 
Requires the ability to adapt to the needs of the unit and unit staff. 
Must work well independently and with others. 
Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, Microsoft applications and digital legal research using online databases and legal information platforms. 
Maintains confidentiality and objectivity. 
Must have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse and interdisciplinary teams while ensuring an inclusive work environment.
The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.