CONTRACT ATTORNEY –ADVOCATING FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
MID-LEVEL
OVERVIEW:
A Better Childhood (“ABC”) is a national legal advocacy organization which uses the power of the courts to improve the lives of foster children through class action litigation. ABC seeks a mid-level attorney with a minimum of 5 years litigation experience, to work on projects including 1) assistance in the development of new cases, 2) researching and writing policy memos, 3) assistance with litigation practice, and 4) monitoring and enforcing the implementation of court-ordered reform plans in state foster care systems. Some travel may be involved.
As a small, fast-paced nonprofit organization with growing responsibilities, ABC values flexibility, independence and maturity, creative problem solving, and an enthusiastic willingness to help advance the mission of the organization. We are looking for a skilled individual who can manage various functions on a regular basis, willing and able to take on multiple roles as we grow, and with a positive attitude to jump in where needed. A sense of humor is a must.
Hourly rate depending on experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The selected individual’s specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Research specific areas of child welfare to identify the areas in which litigation-based reform is necessary.
Analyze and compile child welfare data and make initial contacts, after consultation with the Executive Director, with possible stake holders in specific geographic regions.
Work with the Executive Director and Senior Staff Attorney on monitoring and implementation of existing court-ordered reforms.
Oversee updating of the organization’s website, including writing content for the website, overseeing implementation of changes and generally providing ideas to make the website more user friendly and content specific.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Graduate of ABA accredited law school.
Admission to the State Bar of New York.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience as an attorney, preferably in the federal court.
Excellent research, writing and organizational skills.
Demonstrated interest in public interest work.
Passion for ABC’s mission.
Proficiency using office productivity software, including Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, listen and learn from feedback, and make decisions in accordance with established policies.
Attentiveness to detail and to overarching goals.
Ability to thrive in a busy, multi-tasking, and time-pressured environment.
Accuracy, integrity and discretion.
Willingness to travel occasionally.
How to apply
ABC values diversity in our workforce and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply. Please email a resume, writing sample and cover letter to info@abetterchildhood.org . In the subject line, please write: “Atty Position — [Your Name].”
We expect the new hire to begin as soon as possible. We will review candidates on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please.
A Better Childhood is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.