New York State Bar Association
Executive Director/Chief Defender of Erie County Assigned Counsel Program
New York State Bar Association, Buffalo, New York, United States, 14266
The Erie County Assigned Counsel Program is a well-respected, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing legal representation to low-income clients in criminal and family courts in Erie County, New York. The Executive Director/Chief Defender, is the top-level administrator responsible for overseeing the program, ensuring indigent litigants receive legal representation, managing a staff of 40+ and overseeing the panels of private attorneys (independent contractors) who are appointed to represent these litigants.
Responsibilities include:
Program Administration: responsible for the day-to-day operations of the assigned counsel program, including approving panel attorney vouchers, budgeting, staffing, and policy implementation.
Panel Management: oversee the panel of private attorneys (250+) who are appointed to represent indigent litigants.
Quality Control: ensure that the legal representation provided by the program meets the required standards.
Advocacy: advocate for the program and the rights of indigent litigants.
Supervision: supervise the Chief Financial & Technology/HR Officer, First Deputy Defender-Criminal Courts, Second Deputy Defender – Family Courts, and administrative support staff.
Board of Directors: this position reports to the Board of Directors for the program.
The hiring salary range for the Executive Director/Chief Defender is $212,358 to $221,000 commensurate with experience. This position also comes with excellent benefits, including paid time off, health, dental, vision insurance and pension plan.
E-mail resume, cover letter demonstrating commitment to serving persons of limited means, and references by December 15, 2025 to Rsaelilaw@gmail.com. Additional information about our program can be found on website: www.assigned.org. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Minimum Qualifications of the Executive Director/Chief Defender:
Currently licensed to practice law in the State of New York with a minimum of five (5) years experience in both criminal and family court defense work. Minimum of 10 years, 15 years preferred, experience as an effective organizational leader or senior manager with direct supervisory and program management responsibilities. Preferred Skills
Deep understanding of and vision for the delivery of legal services to clients in need. Working knowledge of Article 18-b of the New York State County Law. Passionate commitment to equal justice for all, and experience protecting and advancing the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged populations. Established record of organizational leadership, resource development and personnel management. Excellent written and communications skills, including experience with public speaking and communicating effectively with staff. Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders including bar associations, judiciary, social services agencies, funders and community groups and their leaders. Experience working with a finance team and Board to oversee and manage a large organizational budget. Experience in developing and maintaining government and private revenuestreams, including federal, state and local grants. Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors.
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Currently licensed to practice law in the State of New York with a minimum of five (5) years experience in both criminal and family court defense work. Minimum of 10 years, 15 years preferred, experience as an effective organizational leader or senior manager with direct supervisory and program management responsibilities. Preferred Skills
Deep understanding of and vision for the delivery of legal services to clients in need. Working knowledge of Article 18-b of the New York State County Law. Passionate commitment to equal justice for all, and experience protecting and advancing the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged populations. Established record of organizational leadership, resource development and personnel management. Excellent written and communications skills, including experience with public speaking and communicating effectively with staff. Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders including bar associations, judiciary, social services agencies, funders and community groups and their leaders. Experience working with a finance team and Board to oversee and manage a large organizational budget. Experience in developing and maintaining government and private revenuestreams, including federal, state and local grants. Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors.
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