Supervising Attorney, Matrimonial Law

Job Title:      Supervising Attorney, Matrimonial Law

Department:  Matrimonial Litigation

Reports To:    Director of Litigation, Legal Services Fund

FLSA Status:   Exempt

Summary: The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal representation to over 100,000 eligible union members and their families in several states. We are a mission-driven, client-centered team committed to delivering high-quality, accessible legal services to our members.

We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and collaborative attorney to lead our Matrimonial Law Unit. The Supervising Attorney will oversee a team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff, as well as manage their own reasonable caseload of diverse matrimonial matters. This role combines legal expertise with leadership, operations, and program development, and reports to the Director of Litigation.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Supervision & Team Leadership

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and professional development for attorneys and support staff.
• Monitor legal practice and ensure a high standard of representation and client service.
• Coordinate case strategy and workflow in collaboration with the Director of Litigation and other supervising attorneys.
• Serve as lead counsel on complex or high-priority matrimonial matters.

Program Oversight & Strategic Planning

• Oversee the delivery of the Fund's matrimonial benefit, including state and federal court practice.
• Collaborate on cross-departmental initiatives and ensure alignment with the Fund’s broader mission.
• Lead continuous quality improvement, including refinement of intake, case closing, and productivity systems.
• Evaluate programming needs and propose innovative strategies to enhance service delivery.

External Collaboration & Policy Engagement

• Represent the Fund in coalitions and external partnerships, including community-based organizations and matrimonial law groups.
• Identify systemic issues impacting clients and explore affirmative litigation and advocacy strategies.
• Participate in policy reform efforts, guided by internal leadership and external partnerships.

Operations, Training & Budget

• Recruit, onboard, and train new legal staff in collaboration with HR.
• Maintain ongoing staff development and continuing legal education programming.
• Review and approve expenses related to matrimonial programming; coordinate with finance staff on budgeting, claims, and invoicing.

Client Advocacy & Legal Representation

• Maintain an active caseload including divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, and prenuptial matters.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, negotiate settlements, attend court appearances, and represent clients at trial.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, documentation, and billing entries.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) and member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Minimum 10 years of matrimonial law experience, including litigation and client representation.
• Experience supervising attorneys and managing legal teams.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to public interest legal work.
• Strong knowledge of New York State matrimonial law and court procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple complex responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in legal management, policy advocacy, or systemic reform initiatives is a plus.
• Multilingual abilities are a plus but not required.

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.