Assistant Attorney in Charge- JD Supervisor, Juvenile Rights Practice

We are seeking an Assistant Attorney-in-Charge (AAIC) with a strong focus on Juvenile Delinquency Practice in our Bronx Trial office. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to addressing fundamental issues of juvenile justice, deep knowledge of child welfare within an interdisciplinary model of representation, and an interest in creative approaches to management and staff development.

About the Role

The AAIC will work closely with the borough’s Attorney-in-Charge in the overall administration of the office, involving all aspects of day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include training, supervising, and mentoring staff, participating in Practice-wide management discussions, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Responsibilities

• Office Leadership & Program Management
  • Provide legal and managerial leadership to the Bronx Trial Office alongside the Borough Attorney-in-Charge.
  • Reinforce and maintain staff accountability.
  • Evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workload.
• Quality of Practice & Client Service
  • Monitor and maintain high standards of representation and client service.
  • Provide direct representation in client service while carrying a caseload.
  • Respond to client, community, and staff concerns.
• Office Operations & Resource Planning
  • Evaluate office needs and identify necessary resources.
• Litigation Strategy & Advocacy
  • Analyze legal issues, lead and support legal strategy, and supervise implementation.
  • Represent the Juvenile Rights Practice (JRP) and The Legal Aid Society in the community.
• People Management, Supervision & Training
  • Provide direct supervision and training support to Juvenile and Adolescent Defender Practitioners.
  • Foster teamwork and communication.
  • Mentor and evaluate supervisory staff.
  • Develop skills and knowledge of staff members.
• Team Development and Supervision
  • Supervise employee hours, assign work, approve time off, and manage remote work schedule requests following LAS policy.
  • Conduct management practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion.
  • Set performance standards, provide routine feedback, coaching, and disciplinary action as needed.
  • Identify and provide training and development opportunities; ensure mandatory training completion.
• Professional Development and Other Duties
  • Participate in continuous professional development.
  • Attend management meetings and trainings; utilize current employment policies.
  • Learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors supporting an inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Admitted to the NYS Bar.
• 5+ years of legal practice in child welfare and/or juvenile delinquency.

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Supervisory experience (preferred but not required).
  • Minimum of eight years of legal practice in youth and/or criminal defense (strongly preferred).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Position-Based:
    • Demonstrated leadership ability.
    • Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model.
    • Relevant pro bono, government, public service, or academic experience.
    • Substantial litigation experience.
  • Supervision:
    • Commitment to exploring alternative structures for legal practice.
    • Ability to schedule, assign, and manage work; resolve problems.
    • Ability to assess work processes, gather relevant information, and recommend alternatives.
    • Clear identification of roles, responsibilities, delegation, and accountability.
    • Ability to create and implement effective communication plans.
    • Provide meaningful performance feedback, including difficult conversations.
    • Pursue continuous learning on systemic oppression and establish equity-focused team norms.
  • Organizational:
    • Commitment to The Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice for all New Yorkers.
    • Interpersonal and communication skills for healthy working relationships.
    • High regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect.

Work Environment

• Mostly active with significant computer and monitor use; frequent communication and video meetings.
• Requires frequent physical movement, including standing or walking for long periods.
• May require travel within NYC and the five-borough region.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds occasionally.

Pay

Salary Range: $102,120 - $172,675. The actual salary offered may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and other State/Federal loan forgiveness programs.
• New York residents may qualify for state assistance with loan repayments based on years of practice.