Staff Attorney, Criminal Appeals Bureau

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

1d•$84,000 - $152,500

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society has openings for Staff Attorneys in the Criminal Appeals Bureau (CAB) unit, to start in or around September 2026. CAB provides legal representation for people who have been convicted of a crime and cannot afford to pay an attorney. CAB is the largest post-conviction public defender in New York City, annually serving over 1,000 people with misdemeanor and felony convictions. Through our appellate practice, CAB advocates against the unjust and illegal judgments in the criminal legal system. CAB’s model of litigation provides well-researched and rigorous legal advocacy while centering our clients and their stories in the process. Additionally, CAB’s holistic practice, in partnership with the many other units of The Legal Aid Society, addresses both the direct and the collateral consequences that profoundly impact a person after their conviction. CAB staff attorneys are responsible for managing a large and diverse caseload, including appellate briefs and oral arguments at New York’s intermediate appellate courts and the New York Court of Appeals, as well as a variety of other postconviction proceedings and sex offender registration hearings. Staff attorneys provide zealous and effective representation, through regular communication with clients and a practice that incorporates creativity, thoroughness, and excellent judgment.

Requirements

Be admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society's Practice Order
Knowledge of the law of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct
Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with all members of the staff
Ability to work independently with personal initiative and organization
Commitment to serving low-income communities and communities of color
Demonstrated thoughtfulness on the role of attorneys in public defense, social and racial justice, and equity

Nice To Haves

Criminal appellate experience or equivalent post-conviction experience
Experience working with people who are incarcerated in prison

Responsibilities

Maintain organizational skills and practices necessary in order to manage a high-volume caseload consisting of direct appeals, CPL 440.10 and 440.20 motions, sex offender registration hearings and risk-level modification petitions, and other post-conviction relief
Develop and exercise judgment on approaching cases from a lens of creativity and client-centeredness
Research and analyze caselaw, statutes, treatises, and other secondary sources
Draft and revise briefs in preparation for filing
Review, brainstorm, and discuss case strategy with colleagues and supervisors
Prepare for and advocate orally in front of trial courts and appellate courts, as needed
Regularly communicate with and advise clients of the appellate process and possible options, including withdrawals of appeals where appropriate
Participate in continuing education on best practices, legal and case developments, the impact of race, wealth, and gender on the criminal legal system
Demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment for all staff members within CAB
Other duties as assigned