Overview

Appellate Advocates is a nonprofit public defender organization, based in New York City, providing high-quality representation of individuals who have been convicted of crimes in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island and cannot afford private lawyers. Our attorneys, from a variety of diverse backgrounds, are experienced in criminal law and believe in a holistic, client-centered approach to vindicating every client’s constitutional rights, working to overturn unjust convictions and sentences, and assisting with reentry to the community upon release. While our main work is criminal appeals, we also represent clients in Sex Offender Registration Act hearings, reinvestigate cases and file motions for post-conviction relief with a focus on ameliorating immigration consequences, seek to vacate convictions for victims of sex trafficking, and try to reduce sentences of domestic violence survivors.

Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. To this end, we seek to:

  • Hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system;
  • Ensure a workplace where diversity and inclusion are fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged; and
  • Ensure that all staff members feel welcome, respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the organization.

Position Description: We are seeking to hire immediately at least one attorney to work primarily on criminal appeals from plea convictions.

Qualifications:

  • At least one year of criminal defense experience, with experience in New York criminal appeals preferred
  • A demonstrated commitment to criminal defense and social justice
  • Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
  • A strong interest in client-focused representation
  • A self-directed ability to manage an active caseload
  • New York State bar admission required

Appellate Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, and seeks to hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system. We strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.