Attorney Fellow - Fellowship Proposal Invitation – Fall 2027

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society, the nation's oldest and largest social justice legal services organization, is seeking dedicated, passionate Fellows in the Criminal Defense Practice. The Criminal Defense Practice focuses on dynamic advocacy for clients in court and partnership within communities. As the primary public defender in New York City, staff zealously protect the rights of the most marginalized and disenfranchised. The practice's scope extends beyond individual cases to include community engagement, impact litigation, and broader advocacy aimed at increasing fairness and humanity in the criminal legal system and reducing the devastating consequences of system involvement. Through law reform units like the Special Litigation Unit and the Prisoners’ Rights Project, impact litigation and advocacy are pursued for systemic change. The Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and DNA Unit utilize advanced techniques to challenge the government and secure essential defense evidence. The Immigrant Justice Team combats the criminalization of immigrants, and collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Unit addresses injustice against transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex New Yorkers in the criminal legal system.

Requirements

• 3L law students, judicial law clerks, and other recent law graduates eligible for fellowship funding
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent legal research, analysis and listening skills
• Ability to effectively navigate client/community concerns and communicate legal issues
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to low-income BIPOC communities
• All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required
• Additional experience that is preferred
• Insert additional knowledge, experience, or proficiencies that are preferred

Responsibilities

• Bringing impact litigation and conducting related policy advocacy in their law reform unit
• Active participation in their law reform unit’s impact litigation and advocacy agenda
• Bringing litigation and conducting advocacy in their post-conviction unit
• Active participation in their post-conviction unit’s litigation and advocacy agenda

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid vacation
• disability
• life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• Assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree