The Bronx Defenders seeks an experienced staff attorney for its impact litigation practice.
Since opening our doors in 1997, The Bronx Defenders has served over 300,000 clients. The Bronx Defenders has pioneered a model of legal representation called holistic defense designed to fight both the causes and consequences of court-involvement. Our staff of more than 250 lawyers and advocates work on interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal defense, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, all of whom work to provide holistic legal and social service advocacy to our clients. The Bronx Defenders also houses a community organizing and an impact litigation team, serving as a community resource and a force for systemic change. We engage with clients, community residents, organizers, and policymakers as we seek ways to better serve the Bronx community and enhance access to justice for all.
Our impact litigation practice engages in creative, change-oriented litigation to challenge the systemic violations and injustices that affect larger groups of our clients. Our success in complex litigation is influenced by our community engagement efforts and our client base; we leverage the knowledge gained from direct representation into both critical policy changes and monetary awards that are community-based and community-driven. Attorneys in the impact litigation practice collaborate with each other, and with all other practice areas, to identify, develop, and litigate challenges on a wide range of issues and concerns to our clients, including criminal justice issues; access to housing and employment; forfeiture and property retrieval; curtailment of parental rights in family court proceedings; immigration abuses; the right to counsel; racial justice; and other government misconduct.
To learn more, please visit our website at www.bronxdefenders.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop, lead, and supervise complex, civil rights litigation in federal and state court to challenge the full range of injustices facing clients of The Bronx Defenders.
Identify possible litigation; investigate and develop factual and legal claims; prepare pleadings, motions, and briefs; conduct discovery; present oral arguments; and handle trials and appeals.
Manage litigation teams that include attorneys from The Bronx Defenders as well as co-counsel from peer organizations and/or law firms appearing pro bono.
Collaborate with other practice areas at The Bronx Defenders to develop and coordinate advocacy goals and litigation strategies.
Assist in creating multi-faceted advocacy campaigns integrating litigation, organizing, public education, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.
Draft amicus briefs on behalf of The Bronx Defenders in New York State and federal courts.
Represent The Bronx Defenders in the media, at conferences, and at other venues.
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, coalition members, and legal allies.
Assist colleagues in developing skills in impact litigation and interdisciplinary strategic advocacy.
QUALIFICATIONS
J.D. degree.
Preference for at least five years of relevant litigation experience, but applications from all experience levels will be considered.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission, purpose, and values of The Bronx Defenders.
Excellent legal research, writing, analytic, and oral advocacy skills.
Self motivated, with the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
Effective public speaking experience, including the capacity to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues to a variety of audiences.
Case management experience with an interest in, and commitment to, professional development, training and support of attorneys, and legal interns.
A demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic advocacy and litigation as part of a creative response to civil rights violations affecting clients of The Bronx Defenders.
Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits.
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample via email to jobs@bronxdefenders.org with “Impact Litigation Attorney” in the subject line. Resumes will only be accepted electronically. No faxes or phone calls please. Applications should be submitted by July 15, 2016, but applicants will be considered and interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Bronx Defenders is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply.