Description:
The Family Court Legal Services division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of entry level Agency Attorney Interne commencing in the Fall of 2024.The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.
The Division of Family Court Legal Services (FCLS) is responsible for representing Children's Services in child neglect and abuse cases, permanency hearings and other child welfare proceedings in the New York City Family Courts. FCLS Attorneys work collaboratively with caseworkers and other child welfare stakeholders to further the agency's mission of helping children and families achieve safety, permanency and well-being.
Under direct and close supervision, specific duties will include:
- Work closely with Child Protective caseworkers to identify and analyze legal problems and issues.
- Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions and memoranda of law and fact by following generally acceptable legal procedures, forms and techniques in order to meet agency needs, goals and objectives.
- Represent the agency in Family Court on all aspects of child protective proceedings and other judicial proceedings including juvenile delinquency and Close to Home matters.
- Interview witnesses and other relevant parties to the litigation to determine admissibility of various types of evidence.
- Prepare and maintain case files and documents in advance of court appearances.
- Conduct legal research and regularly review relevant case law and regulations to support legal opinions.
- Counsel Child Protective caseworkers and agency case planners on issues relating to permanency and well-being of children in foster care.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.
Preferred Skills:
The preferred candidates should possess the following: excellent written and oral communication skills and knowledge and understanding of New York State child welfare laws. May 2024 law school graduates must sit for the July 2024 UBE, the August 2024 MPRE, and the September 2024 NYLE if candidate has not already passed the NYLE and MPRE during law school. All other applicants should be admitted to the NYS Bar or eligible for and awaiting admission to the NYS bar.
