The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) is one of New York City’s oldest providers of legal representation to people who cannot afford to pay an attorney for the appeal of a felony conviction. OAD’s core mission is to ensure full and equal access to justice by providing high-quality and client-centered representation throughout the appellate process. This approach enables our attorneys to hone in on the best issues for appeal, to tell our clients’ stories effectively, and to identify and pursue other forms of advocacy that are most effective for each client’s unique circumstances. OAD is committed to developing and litigating innovative legal theories that most effectively demonstrate the injustices that our clients have experienced.
OAD handles post-conviction cases from the Bronx and Manhattan, including direct appeals, sex offender registration level hearings, drug law and domestic violence survivor re-sentencings, and motions to overturn wrongful convictions (including claims based on new or undisclosed evidence, prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel). OAD also advocates for improved prison and parole conditions, and provides parole advocacy and reentry assistance.
OAD seeks a project attorney with a demonstrated commitment to advocating for and protecting immigrants’ rights to assist with our representation of non-citizen clients in New York criminal and appellate courts. The ideal candidate will have a background in immigration law, preferably where it intersects with New York criminal law, and possess strong writing skills. Appellate litigation experience is not required, and training will be provided as necessary. Further, the ideal candidate is a team player who will be willing to help out in other aspects of our holistic practice as needed.
OAD is devoted to maintaining a staff of lawyers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to public service and to defending the disadvantaged.
Responsibilities:
- Reviewing pertinent criminal and immigration court client records to assess the immigration consequences of client convictions;
- Establishing and improving internal protocols for the office’s holistic representation of non-citizen clients;
- Providing support for and advice to other attorneys regarding the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and the general needs of our non-citizen clients;
- Working with support staff, clients, and court personnel to collect documents and records necessary to perform analysis regarding client criminal history on immigration status;
- Representing non-citizen clients in direct appeals, state post-conviction relief, and other advocacy through motion practice and negotiation of immigration-safer dispositions.
Juris Doctorate;
Must be admitted to practice in New York courts;
Commitment to public defense and holistic representation of indigent clients;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Post-law school experience in removal defense and/or in immigration court is strongly preferred;
Fluency in languages other than English is also strongly preferred.
Application materials, including substantive cover letter, resume, and writing sample should be addressed to Margaret Knight, Recruitment Director, and sent by email to [email protected]. The subject line in the email should state: Non-Citizen Project Attorney 2021. If necessary, questions may be directed to the same email address, with Question in the subject line.