Matrimonial Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Department: Matrimonial

Reports To: Supervising Attorneys and Director of the Legal Services Fund

FLSA Status: Local 2320

Salary Range: As established by contract

Summary:

Reporting to the Supervising Attorneys and the Director of the Legal Services Fund, the staff attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union's Legal Services Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation to members in divorce proceedings (contested and uncontested, prenuptial negotiations, and other related matrimonial matters).
• Conduct intakes, analyze legal claims and determine an appropriate course of action, under the direction of supervising attorneys.
• Maintain ongoing contact with clients, opposing counsel and courts through telephonic, electronic, and written communication.
• Prepare legal pleadings, stipulations, motions, and other legal documents.
• Litigate and appear in cases throughout New York City.
• Write, review, and edit documents and correspondence.
• Obtain court records.
• Update case files timely, including, court notes, correspondence, and file records; and complete other physical and ministerial duties as necessary to maintain client files.
• Regularly meet with and discuss case progress with supervisors.
• Perform legal research.
• Train and supervise (work product only) secretaries, paralegals, and legal interns.
• Be familiar with substantive and procedural law in area of practice.
• Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Service Plan.
• Maintain confidential materials and information associated with all clients.
• Attend member information meetings under the direction of supervisory personnel, including travel as required.

Qualifications:

• Admission to the NY Bar or pending admission.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred, but not required.
• At least 2 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Substantive knowledge of domestic relations law.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor as a representative of the Legal Services Fund.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and exercise sound legal judgment, with the assistance and guidance of supervising attorneys.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent written, oral, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple demands in a busy environment.
• Ability to effectively utilize legal software and other case management systems.

Work Environment: The work environment described here is representative of the environment an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.