Criminal Appeals Attorney – Post-Conviction Focus

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 71,365 - 96,453; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit to handle appellate work for indigent defendants across Western New York, primarily on-site at 290 Main St.

The role covers all aspects of criminal appeals, possible post-conviction work, and limited federal writs; strong research, writing, and advocacy are essential for meaningful representation.

Qualifications

• Law school graduates or 3Ls eligible to take the next bar exam or active NY State Bar membership.
• Experience as an appellate attorney preferred.
• Combination of training, education, and experience providing required knowledge and abilities.
• Computer proficiency, including word processing and computerized legal research.

Responsibilities

• Read transcripts and prepare summaries for drafting appeals.
• Identify legal issues from transcripts and client questionnaires.
• Draft necessary briefs for criminal and Family Court appeals; respond for People's appeals as needed.
• File stay applications and post-conviction motions as required.
• Communicate with clients and trial attorneys; visit incarcerated clients when needed.

Skills

Legal research

Word processing

Education

J.D. or bar-eligibility in NY

Tools

Word processing software

Legal research tools

Job description

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit to handle appellate work for indigent defendants across Western New York, primarily on-site at 290 Main St.

The role covers all aspects of criminal appeals, possible post-conviction work, and limited federal writs; strong research, writing, and advocacy are essential for meaningful representation.