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The Legal Aid Society · 13 hours ago

Supervising Attorney, Criminal Appeals Bureau

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$99K/yr - $164K/yr

5+ years exp

The Legal Aid Society is a prominent organization providing legal representation for individuals unable to afford an attorney, specifically in criminal defense. They are seeking Supervising Attorneys for the Criminal Appeals Bureau to oversee the appellate practice, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality representation for clients post-conviction.

ConsultingFamilyGovernmentLegalNon Profit

No H1B

Responsibilities

Supervision of Criminal Appellate Practice

Review and revise briefs in preparation for filing

Screen cases for potential issues to raise on appeal or in other post-conviction litigation

Meet with and conference cases with staff attorneys to discuss legal and strategic choices for representing clients on appeal

Facilitate team meetings to brainstorm case and theory development

Counsel and advise staff attorneys and paralegals on the practice of working with people who are incarcerated and/or on supervision

Carry a small caseload consisting of direct appeals, CPL Sec. 440.10 and 440.20 motions, Sex Offender Registration Hearings and Sex Offender Risk-Level Modification Petitions, clemency petitions, and other post-conviction relief

Participate in managing a project area by developing expertise in the subject-matter, reviewing and creating structures to support attorney work, and developing and maintaining policies, templates, and practice advisories

Provide training and guidance to CAB staff on related topics and serve as subject matter expert

Ensure internal databases are updated as necessary

Troubleshoot issues that arise and proactively work to identify and implement necessary process improvements

Engage in strategic planning to increase the efficiency of CAB and ensure that clients continue to receive the highest quality representation

Provide supervision and support to staff attorneys, including regular check-ins and day-to-day support as needed

Lead dedicated and dynamic teams of attorneys, who—along with paralegals, social workers and other staff—represent the clients of the Criminal Appeals Bureau

Directly mentor, train, and supervise staff to foster professional development and growth

Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following the guidance of LAS policy and procedures

Attend management meetings, participate in management trainings, and utilize current employment policies, practices and guidance as provided by management and Human Resources

Conduct management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace

Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed

Identify and provide training and development opportunities and ensure mandatory trainings are completed

Participate in continuous professional development

Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

New York State BarCriminal appellate experiencePost-conviction representationCriminal lawResearchBrief writingStrategic planningTeam leadershipTrainingInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsMentoring

Required

Admitted to the New York State Bar (or ability to waive in from another jurisdiction)

Five years or more of demonstrated commitment to public defense, social and racial justice, and equity preferred

Significant experience in all aspects of criminal post-conviction representation

At least five years of criminal appellate experience or equivalent post-conviction experience, with demonstrated commitment to public defense, social and racial justice, and equity

Comprehensive knowledge of relevant New York State and federal law including evidence laws, criminal and constitutional laws, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct

Excellent research, brief writing, editing, and oral argument skills

Ability to challenge others to seek innovative and creative approaches to advocacy and to encourage ongoing development by providing effective performance feedback and evaluation

Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with all members of the staff

Ability to work independently with personal initiative and organization

Experience in decision-making and strategic planning on an organizational level

Demonstrated interest and ability to provide individualized support and encouragement

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team of attorneys with varying experience levels

Ability to schedule, assign, and manage work and resolve problems as needed

Ability to manage the work including: assessment of work process and outcomes, gathering relevant information about the work, recommending alternatives, or elevate issues as needed

Ability to clearly identify roles, responsibilities, delegate tasks and hold people accountable

Ability to create and implement effective communication plans

Ability to provide meaningful performance feedback for professional development including having difficult conversations and resolving sensitive employee issues

Pursue continuous learning on forms of systemic oppression of marginalized identities and establish team norms and management practices using an equity mindset and informed by inclusive practices

Commitment to Legal Aid Society's mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers

Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships

Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect

Commitment to Legal Aid Society's mission and values