Overview

CFR is committed to providing robust supervision to program staff, and we expect to have a need for a Litigation Supervisor in Queens in September 2022. Under the supervision of borough Co-Directors, the Litigation Supervisor’s primary responsibility will be to supervise three to five attorneys who work in interdisciplinary teams with social work, family advocate, parent advocate and paralegal staff to represent parents in Article 10 and Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings as well as ancillary proceedings to which CFR is assigned. Litigation Supervisors are responsible for helping attorneys develop mastery in all aspects of litigation as well as reinforcing and building upon skills and values introduced in initial and ongoing trainings. Litigation Supervisors also work with family court staff and staff from other agencies, including ACS/FCLS, to address substantive and operational issues that affect a large court-based practice. 

The Litigation Supervisor will work with other Supervisors and Senior Staff as well as with the Director of Litigation, Director of Holistic Practice, Training Supervisor, Development & HR staff, and Executive Director to inform decisions on strategic planning and overall program development and improvement for the entire agency. All Supervisors are expected to demonstrate an aptitude for productive problem-solving, a commitment to CFR’s current DEIB work, and a desire to contribute to the stewardship of CFR; this includes the ability to positively and productively contribute to the work culture at CFR in communications and work with staff at all levels, including progressive discipline if necessary. Candidates for supervisor also need to be well organized in order to work efficiently and effectively beyond their own caseload and to effectively supervise multiple staff with varying levels of experience.

 

Responsibilities May Include:

  • Direct supervision of three to five attorneys, who may be either staff attorneys or senior staff attorneys.
  • Guiding the development and skill-building of attorney supervisees.
  • Holding/writing professional development reviews for any directly supervised staff.
  • Meaningful participation in routine and special supervision meetings.
  • Participation in recruitment and interviewing of new staff candidates and/or fellows.
  • Assistance with training and technical assistance for new and existing staff and for outside participants and professionals.
  • Representing CFR in external policy efforts, including serving on committees, task forces, etc. and helping to inform CFR’s policy priorities.
  • Input and assistance with development efforts.
  • Coordination of special projects/initiatives.
  • Acting as lead attorney with newer attorneys and second seating more seasoned attorneys on particular cases.
  • Intake/sup-of-the-day supervision in court.
  • Periodically leading Case Practice and Attorney Workgroup meetings.
  • Additional writing, i.e. appeals, practice memos, and development materials.
  • Back-up supervision on writing assignments and case appearances with non-admitted attorneys and/or less experienced attorneys.
  • Providing coverage generally on cases when assigned attorneys are otherwise unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other court obligations.
  • Input and assistance with internal administrative routines and protocols as well as participation in CFR-wide committees and initiatives, including those related to diversity and hiring/recruitment of staff.
  • Working on reassignment charts.
  • Maintaining a caseload of clients commensurate with one’s supervisory responsibilities.
  • Contributing to and/or drafting documents related to progressive discipline, if necessary.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least four to six years of experience in Article 10/TPR family court proceedings. Prior supervisory experience is preferred. Experience with organizational or program development, training, and ancillary or related proceedings (i.e. custody, criminal or civil defense, or immigration) are all desirable. Candidates must have strong interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated teamwork skills, and an aptitude for problem solving and management of staff. Bilingual and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

The subsequent selection process for qualified staff applicants will include an interview and a writing assignment. Candidates should expect to discuss suitability for the role, expected contribution to the role, and what they expect will be challenging about the role.

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