Children's Rights, a national children’s civil rights organization based in New York City, seeks to hire an attorney to play an active role in class action litigation on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the country.

Children’s Rights uses the power of the courts to force systemic reform of failing child welfare systems through injunctive relief, and seeks court orders to mandate reforms through trial or settlement. Children’s Rights remains involved in cases post-judgment to ensure the enforcement of the court orders.

Children’s Rights attorneys, working with local advocates, investigate failing systems, conduct extensive discovery, and prepare cases for trial. Most of the cases settle on the eve of trial, and litigation is sometimes renewed post-judgment in the context of enforcement proceedings. Complex motion practice is involved, as is extensive negotiation with defendants, usually in the context of settlement and enforcement activities.

Children's Rights has expanded its legal staff and is currently seeking an additional dedicated and energetic mid-level attorney interested in further developing his or her litigation skills under high-quality supervision, and in developing professionally to the point where s/he will lead complex class action litigation at the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of active litigation experience and will become an active member of Children’s Rights’ legal teams, often working in conjunction with pro bono big-firm co-counsel and local advocates and experts. Children’s Rights attorneys must possess outstanding litigation and writing skills, demonstrate wise strategic judgment, and be interested in the broader aspects of systemic reform and its policy implications. The successful candidates will be expected not only to perform at the highest level of practice, but also to take advantage of opportunities to further develop professionally. Preference will be given to applicants experienced in complex class action litigation and with federal court experience. Knowledge of children’s issues or social service systems is a plus, but is not required. Travel is required.

SALARY/BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience and is competitive with other public interest organizations.  Children’s Rights provides an excellent benefit package.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a cover letter stating reason for interest, resume, and one recent writing sample (preferably including discussion of a constitutional, federal court, or complex issue) to:

Children's Rights
330 Seventh Avenue, 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
Attn: HR

Or via e-mail to: HR@childrensrights.org. Please include “Attorney” in the subject line or it will be misrouted. No application will be considered without a writing sample. Due to the high volume of applications, Children’s Rights cannot return phone calls and does not notify applicants of status except if an interview is granted.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER