Experienced Appellate Attorney Position - Direct Appeals

ImmigrationJobs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking nonprofit organization is looking for an experienced appellate criminal defense attorney to join their dedicated team. This role involves working on criminal appeals, advocating for clients who cannot afford private representation, and ensuring justice is served. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to social justice, excellent legal skills, and the ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively. With a focus on client-centered representation, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals affected by the criminal justice system. Join a passionate team that values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.

Benefits

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 3+ years of appellate criminal defense experience in New York.
• Strong commitment to criminal defense and social justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle criminal appeals from plea and trial convictions.
• Manage an active caseload with a client-centered approach.
• Work collaboratively within a diverse legal team.

Skills

Appellate criminal defense experience

Research skills

Writing skills

Oral advocacy skills

Client-focused representation

Self-directed caseload management

Education

New York State bar admission

Job description

EXPERIENCED APPELLATE ATTORNEY POSITION – DIRECT APPEALS

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:

1. 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;
2. Ensure a workplace where diversity and inclusion are fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
3. 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 an experienced appellate criminal defense attorney to work on criminal appeals from plea and trial convictions. More than one position may be filled based on this posting. This is primarily an in-person position, with at most two (2) days remote work allowed weekly.

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of three years of appellate criminal defense experience in New York
2. A deep interest in indigent appellate criminal defense
3. A demonstrated commitment to criminal defense and social justice
4. Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
5. A strong interest in client-focused representation
6. A self-directed ability to manage an active caseload
7. New York State bar admission required

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a candidate’s placement on the collectively bargained salary scale, with a range from $83,000 to $135,000. Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and dental insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of references as a single PDF to [e-mail], referencing “Experienced Appellate Attorney Position – Direct Appeals” in the subject line, by April 15, 2025. Applicants with disabilities may e-mail [e-mail] or call Melissa Taveras, Executive Assistant, at [phone], ext. 252, to request and arrange for accommodations for submitting an application.

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. We strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $83,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10038 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New York, NY 10038: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person