The Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) seek an experienced attorney for an immediate opening.

ABOUT CAL

CAL is a 50+ attorney non-profit public defense law firm dedicated to fighting injustice through exceptional advocacy and enduring compassion for every client. We represent indigent New Yorkers convicted of crimes in Manhattan and the Bronx in their criminal appeals and other post-conviction proceedings. We envision a post-conviction process grounded in our clients’ humanity and pursue dynamic approaches to serve our clients and challenge the status quo.

ABOUT OUR STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION

Staff Attorneys have the distinct honor of standing with, serving, and fighting for our clients in direct appeals and a variety of other post-conviction proceedings. Concretely, this entails: building relationships of trust, support, and dependability with clients; writing briefs and arguing in the Appellate Division and Appellate Term; and writing motions to vacate our clients’ convictions as well as appearing in trial court for post-conviction hearings. CAL has a comprehensive and practical training program, close supervision process, varied practice, and supportive environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

The staff attorney positions are for attorneys admitted in New York with at least two years of relevant experience as a public defender, in public interest law, and/or with appellate practice.

All applicants must have: a demonstrated commitment to public criminal defense; excellent analytical, writing, research, and oral advocacy skills; a passion for creative, persuasive, and strategic writing; strong organizational skills and a diligent work ethic; empathy and respect for people who have been convicted of serious offenses; strong interpersonal skills, especially in the face of crisis or disagreement; experience serving and/or advocating for disenfranchised communities; a willingness and ability to work within the dehumanizing environments of prisons, jails, and detention facilities.

Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.

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.

SALARY

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Starting salary is at least $78,000 (2020 graduates) to $90,500 (2015 graduates). Excellent benefits, including 27 paid vacation days per year, an employer SEP-IRA pension contribution, and a free healthcare option with additional employer HSA contributions, are provided.

These are full-time salaried positions. Full Covid vaccination is required. Current office policy requires in-office work three days a week.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, click on the link below and fill out the form, which asks for some basic information, and submit your resume and cover letter in a single pdf. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_4tMI_TFTZKU1HmYAKq4jjA3v8Fa4X_uRdFn9v4zo0XAe5Q/viewform