Public Defense Reform Counsel, Region H

Office of the Appellate Defender; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigent Legal Services (ILS) seeks a Criminal Defense Representation Counsel for Region H based in the Western New York Regional Support Center in Buffalo. The role supports reform efforts under Hurrell-Harring and advocates for high-quality indigent defense across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

The candidate will work with county offices, public defenders, and assigned counsel programs to monitor progress, improve access to

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate, admission to New York State Bar, and a minimum of two years’ experience in criminal defense representation.
• Preferred: experience in public defense and/or policy development, coalition-building, and strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement Executive Law § 832(4)(a)-(counsel at arraignment) and monitor reforms in Region H.
• Collaborate with county public defense providers and county officials to monitor implementation efforts.
• Develop and implement regional initiatives to improve the quality of public criminal defense representation.
• Assist in implementing and monitoring caseload/workload standards and access to funding for ILS contracts.
• Support data collection and reporting with the WNY RSC and Research Unit to identify quality improvements.
• Engage with other ILS staff to solve problems and promote improved representation.

Skills

Criminal defense

Policy development

Coalition-building

Oral communication

Written communication

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

New York Bar admission

Job description

Indigent Legal Services (ILS) seeks a Criminal Defense Representation Counsel for Region H based in the Western New York Regional Support Center in Buffalo. The role supports reform efforts under Hurrell-Harring and advocates for high-quality indigent defense across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

The candidate will work with county offices, public defenders, and assigned counsel programs to monitor progress, improve access to