Clinical Supervising Attorney

The Disability and Civil Rights Clinic was launched in 2015 and is an in-house clinic that functions as a small pro bono law firm representing low-income adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of civil legal matters, including public benefits, parental rights, alternatives to guardianship, and discrimination in access to programs and services. The Clinic is committed to providing legal representation to underserved communities and conducts outreach and education efforts to achieve this end. Through direct legal services, affirmative litigation, public policy reform and projects, community education and coalition building, the Disability and Civil Rights Clinic engages in various forms of advocacy to make the greatest impact on the community.

The Supervising Attorney will be a part of a vibrant group of clinical faculty members who teach in the eight in-house clinics and direct our externships at BLS and will be welcomed into all aspects of the law school community, including faculty workshops, events, and supporting student pro bono organizations and activities.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Clinic Director, the Supervising Attorney will be responsible for the following:

Clinical Work:

• Supervising at least 8 clinic students per semester in their case work, which may include traveling and attending offsite meetings as needed to represent clients;
• Managing Clinic projects/cases and vetting new Clinic projects/cases;
• Overseeing the Clinic’s docket during summers and winter breaks;
• Co-teaching the weekly clinic seminar, which addresses a combination of substantive law, practical skill development, and reflection. Topics include guardianship and supported decision-making, disability justice, supervision/surveillance by the family regulation system, and federal disability anti-discrimination laws;
• Assisting in designing and the teaching components of the Clinic seminar; and
• Developing and maintaining Clinic relationships with clients, strategic partners, co-counsel, and other community stakeholders.

Administrative Duties:

• Supporting the development of Clinic policies and training materials;
• Promoting the Clinic to students and community-based organizations;
• Participating in professional development, training, and networking activities; and
• Performing other duties as needed.

Terms of Employment

This position is a non-faculty, contract appointment and does not carry faculty status. The supervising attorney is not eligible for faculty research support, faculty development funding, tenure or promotion review, or other privileges associated with faculty appointments, except as required by law or institutional policy.

The appointment is at will and subject to applicable law and institutional policies. Continuation of the position is subject to periodic review based on performance, programmatic needs, enrollment, and available funding.

Because the position involves direct supervision of students and ongoing representation of clinic clients, the supervising attorney is expected to commit to the full academic term and to support appropriate transition planning in the event of departure.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree
• Additional qualifications (required at time of start):
  • Admission to practice law in New York State
  • At least five (5) years of post-graduate experience in public interest or disability law with a keen interest in working with students, clinical teaching, and a dedication to exploring new, innovative approaches to disability law
  • At least 1 year of supervision experience
  • Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
  • Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and planning skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Career intention to practice in public interest, public sector, and/or clinical setting
  • Experience working with diverse communities, clients, and other stakeholders
  • Preference for candidates who participated in a clinic while in law school

Salary

Salary Range: $110,000 - $135,000

Brooklyn Law School has an excellent benefits package that currently includes sick, personal and vacation paid time off, a generous retirement plan, dependent tuition scholarship Pre K- undergraduate college, and additional summer Friday PTO.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

It is the policy of Brooklyn Law School to be impartial in the treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, religion, color, natural origin, citizenship status, gender, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, union affiliation, political affiliation, sexual orientation or preferences or any other legally protected status.