Job Type: Full-Time
Job Short Description:
TakeRoot Justice seeks applicants for the position of Supervising Attorney in our Capacity Building practice, which currently includes two staff attorneys.
Job Summary & Qualifications:
The Supervising Attorney will supervise staff attorneys, fellows, volunteers and interns within the Capacity Building practice of CDP, which provides legal advice and assistance to: (i) groups of workers establishing worker-owned cooperative businesses and established worker-owned cooperative businesses in connection with incorporation, governance and other matters; (ii) small businesses in connection with commercial lease review and negotiations; and (iii) grassroots organizations, including nonprofits and unincorporated associations, in connection with incorporation, tax exemption and compliance with corporate, employment, tax and other laws. The position offers a unique opportunity to practice in several innovative areas of the law while building relationships with local community organizers, leaders and service providers. The Supervising Attorney reports to the Executive Director of CDP.
Qualifications – Required
At least five (5) years of relevant experience.
Admission to the New York State Bar.
Demonstrated commitment to grassroots efforts for economic, racial and social justice.
Strong writing and analytical skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff in shaping and running the practice.
Qualifications – Strongly Preferred
Experience supervising a team of attorneys and non-attorneys.
Fluency in two or more languages.
Experience working with social justice and/or community organizing groups.
Background: The Community Development Project (CDP) provides legal, participatory research and policy support to strengthen the work of grassroots and community-based groups in New York City to dismantle racial, economic and social oppression. CDP employs a unique model of partnership with grassroots and community-based groups. Our partners take the lead in determining the priorities and goals for our work, and advance our understanding of justice. CDP’s current practice areas are capacity building, consumer justice, equitable neighborhoods, tenants’ rights & housing justice, immigrants’ rights, participatory research and policy, and workers’ rights.
Responsibilities:
Practice Area Responsibilities
Train, supervise and mentor staff attorneys and volunteers to ensure professional development and competency in work being performed, including awareness of applicable ethical rules;
Facilitate periodic meetings with staff attorneys and volunteers to monitor workload, review their projects and provide guidance as needed;
Conduct formal reviews of supervised staff attorneys’ work in accordance with CDP policies;
Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff attorneys of the Capacity Building practice to develop and implement strategic planning for the practice area.
CDP Responsibilities
Support the growth of CDP on other substantive and administrative projects, including participating in at least one internal governance committee;
Cultivate relationships with current and potential funders; and
Comply with all grant-reporting requirements.
Benefits/Compensation:
A competitive salary and excellent benefits package is available, with generous vacation, personal and sick time, along with industry leading medical and dental coverage. CDP’s staff attorneys are on a fixed salary scale, and the salary for this position will be determined based on years of relevant experience in accordance with the scale.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter by e-mail to cdpjobs@urbanjustice.org, Attn: Julian Hill. Please include “CB Supervising Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Community Development Project is an equal opportunity employer. CDP encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, people from low-income backgrounds, and people with personal experience with the criminal justice system. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.