ABOUT US

The Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) is a leading client-centered appellate and post-conviction public defense organization dedicated to providing high-quality 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 mission is to fight injustice through exceptional advocacy and enduring compassion for each client. We envision a post-conviction process grounded in our clients’ humanity. Our team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and staff work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ rights and uphold the principles of justice.

POSITION OVERVIEW

CAL is seeking to hire an attorney to join our Survivors Advocacy Practice (SAP). The attorney will be a member of the bargaining unit.

Members of CAL’s Survivors Advocacy Practice advocate for the post-conviction relief for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who have been convicted of crimes connected to their victimization. SAP is principally focused on investigating, writing, and litigating motions and hearings for reduced sentences pursuant to the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA). Attorneys in SAP conduct complex factual investigations, develop mitigation evidence, draft motions, litigate hearings, and work closely with clients, experts, service providers, and community partners to build compelling cases for relief. The Practice also litigates applications for relief under the Survivors of Trafficking Attaining Relief Together Act (START Act) and pursues other post-conviction remedies on behalf of survivors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current admission in good standing with the New York bar
• At least two years of relevant legal experience, preferably in the field of public defense or public interest law
• Experience serving and/or advocating for disenfranchised communities
• Excellent analytical, legal and mitigation writing, research, oral advocacy, and negotiation skills
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, manage a multi-faceted caseload, work independently and be a team player
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and diligent work ethic
• Empathy and respect for people who have been convicted of serious crimes, and a commitment to advocating on their behalf
• Willingness and ability to work within the dehumanizing environment in prison
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn trauma-informed interview skills
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn how domestic violence and human trafficking can lead to criminal behavior
• Ability to reckon with the harms our clients have perpetrated and experienced

Proficiency in Spanish is preferred, but not required

LOCATION

The position is based at CAL’s New York City office. CAL has a hybrid remote office policy and attorneys are permitted to work remotely 8-14 days per month, depending on their tenure at CAL.

SALARY

Starting salary will be between $91,941 for a 2024 graduate and $110,160 for a 2017 graduate. CAL offers comprehensive medical benefits, a retirement account, and generous vacation time, holidays, personal and sick days.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply at https://bit.ly/SAPractice2026 or click the “APPLY HERE” link. Please include resume and cover letter as ONE PDF file. Resumes will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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, orientation 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.