Review Vacancy
AgencyIndigent Legal Services, Office of
TitleAssistant Counsel (working title: Family Court Counsel)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $95000 to $108342 Annually
Minimum Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate, admission to or willingness to seek admission to New York State Bar, and a minimum of four years’ experience in the representation of parents in Family Court matters.
Preferred experience in public defense and demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting high quality public defense, a high degree of professionalism and collegiality, sound judgment, and strong oral and written skills.
Duties Description The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is launching a Western New York Regional Support Center in Buffalo. The ILS Western New York Regional Support Center (WNY RSC) addresses the compelling need for ILS to provide state expertise for local governments and providers of public defense to assure that the reforms initiated by the Hurrell-Harring settlement and its extension statewide under Executive Law § 832(4) will be implemented as effectively and as efficiently as possible in western New York counties.
The Family Court Counsel reports to the Attorney in Charge/Director of Western New York Regional Support Center and is responsible for improving the quality of representation of parents within the region, not only in Family Court but also in Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court.
Specific duties include:
• To achieve the mission of improved quality public defense representation, facilitates development and implementation of regional initiatives, particularly in the area of parent representation in Family Court matters and utilization of a multi-disciplinary, client-centered approach to representation
• Under the supervision of the Attorney-in-Charge, works towards successful implementation of the ILS reform plans within the region, identifies challenges to implementation, and works collaboratively with county officials and public defense providers to develop creative solutions to meet the challenges
• Assists in maximizing the use of state funding by all counties and public defense providers within the region, including negotiating budgets for ILS contracts with public defense providers and counties within the region
• Provides consultation to public defense attorneys in matters involving the representation of parents in Family Court matters upon request
• Works closely with the Resource Support and Data Specialist to promote access to non-attorney professional support services and to ensure collection and reporting of all relevant data, and with Criminal Defense Counsel and Appellate Counsel to identify inefficiencies and propose structural improvements in the delivery of representation
• Consults regularly with the ILS Director of Quality Enhancement for Parent Representation, Parent Representation Attorney, Family Court Program Associate, and Family Court Research Associatie to problem-solve, assist in responding to inquiries from public defense providers, and to make efforts to improve the quality of representation of parents in Family Court matters
Additional Comments:
The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to New Yorkers facing criminal charges or family litigation who cannot afford counsel. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.
ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.
We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:
• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Health Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Advantage Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS’s policies, subject to supervisor approval.
The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there’s much to enjoy and explore.
Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov/publicservice.
The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at DEEO@OGS.NY.Gov.
*Please note, this position is temporary pending final approval from the Civil Service Commission. Any potential appointment will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and the employment relationship can be altered at any time by either party.
Additional Comments NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Office of General Services, HRM
31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit a cover letter along with a clear and concise resume detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics and indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.