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The Legal Aid Society · 4 hours ago

Staff Attorney, Prisoners’ Rights Project (PRP)

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$84K/yr - $152K/yr

4+ years exp

The Legal Aid Society is a prominent organization dedicated to defending and expanding the rights of incarcerated individuals. The Staff Attorney will work on complex civil litigation, advocate for policy solutions, and engage in systemic advocacy to improve conditions for incarcerated New Yorkers.

ConsultingFamilyGovernmentLegalNon Profit

No H1B

Responsibilities

Working on all aspects of complex civil litigation concerning prison and jail conditions, from developing new cases to advancing and enforcing existing cases

Identifying problems and challenges that people experience during incarceration and strategizing solutions

Conducting policy advocacy on issues affecting incarcerated persons, including commenting on proposed regulations and legislation, and presenting oral and written testimony

Advocating for incarcerated people directly with prison officials, jail officials, and local, state, and federal agencies, and working with paralegals on advocacy

Working substantively and collegially with others, including incarcerated people, PRP and Legal Aid Society colleagues, pro bono counsel, grassroots groups, coalitions, and policymakers

Mentoring and collaborating with paralegals, legal interns, and legal fellows

Using discretion and sound judgment to help troubleshoot issues and resolve non-routine matters

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

New York bar admissionLitigation experienceComplex legal analysisRacial equity commitmentJudicial clerkship experienceLegislative advocacyCarceral systemsSpanish proficiencyInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Admission to the New York bar, or eligibility to waive in

Minimum 4 years of relevant litigation experience, as demonstrated by federal civil litigation experience, prisoners' rights litigation, civil rights or other systemic law reform litigation. One year of a judicial clerkship may count towards the litigation requirement. More experienced lawyers are very welcome

Demonstrated strong commitment to racial equity and civil rights

Demonstrated ability to engage in and communicate complex legal analysis

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Excellent judgment

Demonstrated ability to engage in complex legal analysis and writing, as reflected in written work product and a writing sample

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including an ability to foster constructive, respectful working relationships with colleagues, clients, and coalition partners, and an understanding of the importance of principles of diversity and inclusion in the workplace