Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) is seeking an attorney to lead its Pro Bono Partners Project and also to handle his/her own docket of individual, special education cases.

The attorney will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Pro Bono Partners Project:  The Pro Bono Partners Project develops and fosters working groups at major NYC law firms, deepening the relationship between AFC and its law firm partners and increasing the number of clients AFC is able to serve.  The Staff Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator will work directly with AFC’s Executive Director, Director of Legal Services and the Development Staff in recruiting firm partners, training volunteers, co-counseling cases, and fostering repeat volunteers and working groups for the benefit of AFC and our clients.  He/she will occasionally present to and consult with the Board of Directors and Junior Board on law firm volunteerism and fundraising efforts.  He/she will be responsible for maintaining comprehensive training materials and disseminating periodic legal updates to all law firm volunteers.

• Legal Casework:  The Staff Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator will be expected to maintain a caseload of direct service cases and serve as the primary co-counsel for all law firm volunteers.  Cases will focus on access to appropriate education for youth/children facing a wide array of developmental and emotional disabilities, court-involved youth, and English Language Learners.

• Development:  The Staff Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator will maintain a close connection with the Development Department, keeping development staff up to date on firm and individual relationships.

Applicants must possess the following skills:

• Admission to the New York Bar
• 2 or more years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Some experience with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is extremely helpful, but not required
• Outstanding oral advocacy skills; strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Outstanding social and communicative skills with a demonstrated understanding of working with large law firms or other large organizations
• Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse communities and clients
• Demonstrated initiative and leadership skills
• Training, mentoring and/or supervisorial experience strongly preferred
• Bilingual Spanish or other languages helpful but not required

AFC is a not-for-profit organization that promotes access to the best education New York can provide for all students, especially students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.  We use uniquely integrated strategies to advance systemic reform, empower families and communities, and advocate for the rights of individual students.

AFC is an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks a diverse staff and encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including people of color, with disabilities, and of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience; benefits included.

How to Apply:

Please e-mail resumes, cover letter, and contact information for three references to:

Rebecca Zwilling
Re: Staff Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator Position
rzwilling@advocatesforchildren.org
151 West 30th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001

No phone calls please.

Application Deadline: February 22nd, 2010

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