CAL Externship

About Us

The Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) is a leading appellate public defense organization dedicated to providing high-quality post-conviction representation to low-income New Yorkers. We are committed to ensuring that every individual has access to fair and just legal representation in the appellate courts and in a full panoply of post-conviction litigation. Our team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, social workers and staff work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ rights and uphold the principles of justice.

Description

CAL is seeking to hire current law students available to volunteer at least 10 hours a week for both the fall 2025 and spring 2026 terms. Externs will start on or around September 2, 2025, and end on or around May 4, 2026. CAL’s legal externship provides opportunities for law students to learn more about appellate criminal defense in New York while honing their legal research and writing skills. Our office is dedicated to advancing our clients’ rights using a client-centered model. Our program ensures that students receive substantive work experience and close supervision. We expect applicants to extern for the full academic year. The position is an unpaid educational opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing clients’ trial records and identifying possible legal issues for appeal
• Drafting memoranda and legal arguments on behalf of clients seeking appellate relief
• Researching legal issues in appellate criminal defense
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for hearings
• Researching the immigration consequences of clients’ convictions
• Researching post-conviction relief options

Qualifications:

• Commitment to advocating for people convicted of crimes
• Ability to both connect with and empathize with members of marginalized communities
• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to think critically and creatively about legal issues
• Excellent communication and active listening skills, particularly with people of varied backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to work independently and multi-task on various assignments
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality around sensitive issues

Location & Remote Options

This position is remote-optional, but in-person is preferred. Students will likely benefit from coming into the office to meet with clients, attend hearings and oral arguments, and participate in office meetings.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to: nerondu@cfal.org and jcastillo@cfal.org. Please include in your email if you have ever applied to CAL for a position before. The DEADLINE TO APPLY is July 11, 2025. We will conduct interviews and make offers on a rolling basis.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At CAL, we embrace and value our staff’s diversity, recognizing that our differences strengthen our community and advance our mission. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply. CAL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, citizenship status, color, credit history, creed, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, marital status, partnership status, pregnancy, race, religion, salary history, sexual and reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran or active military service member, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.