Description

This position involves supervisory level professional legal work involving representation of indigent defendants in Family Court matters. Work involves representation of each indigent defendant through every stage of the proceedings through and including any appeals. The incumbent is responsible for the investigation, preparation, conduct and appeal in various court and legal proceedings involving indigent defendants. This position is responsible for management and oversight of the Family Defense Department.  The work is performed with wide leeway allowed for independent judgement in applying legal knowledge to specific problems and in taking appropriate legal action. The incumbent does related work as required.  

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (illustrative only)

• Prepares cases for hearing, prepares briefs, secures evidence and conducts investigations;
• Represents parents who are accused of neglect and abuse in investigations, administrative hearings, Article 10, Permanency Planning, Termination of Parental Rights, and all other matters related to all aspects of mandated representation in family court;
• Represent and counsel respondents and/or petitioners at every state of proceedings following assignment;
• Researches legal matters and orally argues motions;
• Meets with clients and maintains communication with them, and when appropriate with their families;
• Confers with witnesses, law enforcement officers, judges and caseworkers concerning individual cases;
• Supervises department professional and clerical staff;
• Oversees coordinated Family Defense outreach throughout Wayne County;
• May secure the services of experts in various fields to assist in defending indigents;
• Seeking out, applying for and obtaining grant funding to support and expand the work of this department.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York and five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney in the field of family court law with supervisory experience. 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS;

• Thorough knowledge of criminal procedure law and practice in New York State;
• Thorough knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Family Court related law and proceedings;
• Good knowledge of acceptable principles and practices of interviewing witnesses and preparation of witnesses;
• Good knowledge in appraising and organizing facts and evidence;
• Good knowledge in preparing briefs and in the presentation of a defense before a jury;
• Good professional and administrative judgement;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to express arguments of law both clearly and concisely;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with law enforcement, caseworkers and other governmental agencies;
• Ability to supervise and direct subordinate staff;  
• Ability to deal with the public.

Benefits: Regular raises; Paid Holidays; Annual & Sick Leave; Excellent Health Insurance; NYS Retirement Pension; Deferred Compensation; Tuition Reimbursement; Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility; Employee Assistance Program