Civil Division Director

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York

. Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team and collaborate in the day-to-day management of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeRochester • New York • United StatesLead💰 $124,000 - $146,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in civil legal practice, program management, and strategic leadership within a legal services context. Proven ability to oversee compliance, mentor staff, and ensure equitable client service while fostering community relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Licensed Attorney In New York StateCivil Legal Services ExperienceSupervisory ExperienceProgram Management SkillsStrong Interpersonal Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Civil Legal PracticeLegal ResearchTrial StrategyCase Management StandardsBudget DevelopmentGrant CompliancePerformance EvaluationsLegal EthicsCase File AuditsEmergency Coverage Protocols

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingConflict ResolutionRelationship BuildingCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

Attorney License

Industry Keywords

Social JusticeAccess To JusticePublic Interest LawCommunity EngagementTrauma-Informed Client Service

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team and collaborate in the day-to-day management of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester
Provide oversight and supervision of Civil Division programs
Implement agency policies and procedures
Support and coach Program Directors and Supervisors
Provide strategic leadership for unit organization, growth, and operational planning
Establish and maintain program policies, procedures, and case management standards
Participate in civil program budget development, planning, and management
Oversee grant compliance, contracts, deliverables, reporting, applications, funding requests, budgets, and staff allocations
Conduct case file audits and practice reviews for legal quality control
Ensure court coverage, caseload management, emergency coverage protocols, and equitable case assignments
Provide guidance on complex civil litigation, including trial strategy, legal research, writing, and major case preparation
Oversee professional development, mentoring, continuing legal education, onboarding, and training
Lead performance evaluations, interim reviews, case reviews, disciplinary actions, and corrective performance actions
Partner with the COO and HR on hiring, discipline, and termination decisions
Ensure consistent, equitable, trauma-informed client service and accessible intake processes
Resolve escalated client complaints, staff concerns, and complex service delivery issues
Represent LASROC at community meetings, collaborative initiatives, coalition tables, and public forums
Cultivate relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, courts, funders, vendors, technology partners, and other stakeholders
Attend Board of Directors and agency-wide meetings and provide program updates
Supervise direct reports, set goals, delegate work, conduct one-on-ones, mentor staff, resolve conflicts, and review performance documentation, expenses, timecards, and time-off requests

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be an attorney admitted to practice law in New York State
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, with significant experience in civil legal services or a related public interest legal setting
Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or program management role, including direct oversight of attorneys and/or multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of social justice and ensuring access to justice for underserved populations
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop individuals and teams to achieve high performance and trauma informed client outcomes
Strong knowledge of civil legal practice areas relevant to LASROC’s service population, including familiarity with applicable substantive law, court procedures, and legal ethics requirements
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, community partners, funders, and other external stakeholders
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience representing an organization publicly and before diverse audiences
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities across a multi-office, multi-county organization
Ability to travel as required; reliable transportation is required
Ability to perform the stated physical demands and work in an office-based environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid Work schedule
Paid Lunch Hour
Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
Up to 15 days of vacation to start (based on experience)
96 hours of sick leave
48 hours of personal time
14 paid holidays a year
$600 per year internet stipend
3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
Professional development opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer