Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
The Integrated Client Services team encompasses Appellate Advocates’ social work, reentry and prison-based services teams. The Paralegal-Client Advocate to be hired will be a core member of the Prison Based Services team (PBS). Coordination with Appellate Advocates’ Social Work and Re-entry Services is a key aspect of the Client Advocate’s work.
Job Responsibilities:
• Work closely with team members including attorneys, paralegals, and social work staff to advocate for clients.
• Responsible for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action, and intervention for each case.
• Maintain timely case notes and documentation in an electronic database.
• Schedule and conduct legal calls with clients to obtain information regarding advocacy needs.
• Draft letters to clients to explain advocacy steps.
• Under supervision, contact DOCCS’ staff or central office to obtain information regarding client issue and write advocacy letters to DOCCS’ facility staff and/or management and/or executive team.
• Make referrals to partner organizations for civil litigation.
• Request and analyze records.
• Attend staff meetings and weekly or bi-weekly supervision as scheduled.
• Participate in training and continuing education courses as recommended.
• Flexibility to take on additional tasks aligned with program needs and departmental goals.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to and experience working with people impacted by the criminal legal system using a person-centered, non-judgmental approach preferred.
• Robust knowledge of the legal system, including appellate practice.
• Knowledge of DOCCS’ protocols and processes governing all aspects of incarceration.
• Extensive knowledge of community – based advocacy and legal organizations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and people skills.
• Ability to write persuasive advocacy letters.
• Comfort navigating legal systems and prisons/jails.
• Ability to work with highly confidential and privileged information.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a holistic defense model.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate cultural humility when engaging with clients.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in case management systems and basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Bachelor’s degree or substantial relevant experience required.
• We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience to apply.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained pay scale, with a range from $64,375 to $94,701.09. Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and dental insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a single PDF to [email protected], referencing “Paralegal-Client Advocate Position” in the subject line. Applicants with disabilities may e-mail [email protected] or call Melissa Taveras, Executive Assistant, at (212) 693-0085, ext. 252, to request and arrange for accommodations for submitting an application.
Appellate Advocates has four different internship opportunities for law students, with each focused on a different practice area: (1) cases arising out of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act; (2) direct criminal appeals; (3) cases pertaining to the Sex Offender Registration Act; and (4) wrongful convictions. Each is referred to below.
If you are interested in applying to Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, direct appeals, or the Sex Offender Registration Act internships, please send your cover letter and resume to Assistant Managing Attorney Courtney Crosby at [email protected], indicating your interested internship in the subject line. If you are interested in applying to wrongful convictions, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] and indicate Wrongful Convictions Internship Program in the subject line.
Please note that our internships are unpaid. Students are are strongly encouraged to apply for grants from schools or other sources.
Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) Internship/Externship Programs
The Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), enacted in May 2019, reflects the Legislature’s commitment to shortening the prison sentences of domestic violence victims. It has two components. First, for individuals not yet sentenced, the DVSJA permits far more compassionate sentencing than its predecessor statute. Second, the DVSJA created a “look back” provision, to allow for resentencings for those already incarcerated. The DVSJA practice of Appellate Advocates handles all stages of resentencing applications as well as appeals of unsuccessful DVSJA resentencing motions and trial level DVSJA sentencings.
We are currently soliciting law students who will have completed their second year of law school by May 2026. During a ten-week program in the summer, interns will work closely with the DVSJA team on various assignments, including, but not limited to, drafting components of DVSJA motions and clemency petitions for survivors of domestic violence, in addition to aiding with investigating DVSJA claims and hearing preparation. In this role, interns will have the opportunity to visit incarcerated clients, attend hearings, and gain extensive writing experience.
Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Law students who have a strong interest in appellate criminal defense work and/or experience working with survivors of domestic violence are encouraged to apply. Excellent research and writing skills are essentials.
We fill positions on a rolling basis and begin considering applications in September for the following summer.
We also welcome extern applications throughout the year.
Direct Appeal Summer Internship Program
Our direct appeal internship program is open to law students who will have completed their second year of law school by the summer. In our ten-week summer internship program, interns work closely with senior staff attorneys on a direct appeal. Interns will issue spot, conduct legal research, and draft a brief that will be filed with the Appellate Division, Second Department, and, at the end of the summer, participate in a moot oral argument for their case. Interns will also participate in trainings about relevant criminal law and procedure and appellate advocacy, attend informal events to meet attorneys and staff in all practice areas, and observe court proceedings, including oral arguments in the Appellate Division.
Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Law students who have a strong interest in client-centered appellate criminal defense work are encouraged to apply. Because the focus of the internship is a substantive writing project, excellent legal research and writing skills are essential. While this is a volunteer, unpaid position, summer interns are strongly encouraged to seek out and apply for grants from their school or other sources.
We have already finalized our interns for the summer of 2027 and are no longer accepting applications.
Sex Offender Registration Act Program
New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act (“SORA”) requires individuals convicted of specified offenses to register as sex offenders, oftentimes for life. Registration, in addition to severely limiting one’s housing and employment options, carries a profound stigma that makes it difficult to ever truly re-enter society.
Many SORA-subject individuals are required to meet with the police frequently and face felony charges for failing to update their information or check in with law enforcement, even decades after the underlying offense. Additionally, the names, photographs, home addresses, and offense details of most registered individuals are posted on the Internet registry.
There are thousands of people registering as Level 2 (moderate risk) or Level 3 (high risk) offenders in New York City. Some of these individuals have been on the registry for decades without re-offending, have completed long-term therapy, are gainfully employed, and in stable relationships. Without an attorney to file a modification petition to lower their level, however, they will remain on the Internet registry for life.
The law student intern will investigate and prepare modification petitions for individuals seeking to lower their SORA levels. The SORA intern will work closely with attorneys in every aspect of the modification process, including meeting with clients, interviewing relevant witnesses, reviewing court paperwork, drafting affirmations and motions, and orally arguing at the final hearing in Supreme Court.
The internship will begin on June 1, 2026, and conclude on August 3, 2026. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week. Applicants must have a strong interest in criminal defense with an emphasis on protecting the rights of people convicted of serious sex offenses, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to research and write independently.
Wrongful Convictions
Public trust and confidence in the legitimacy of the criminal justice system depend on the accuracy and fairness of the process culminating in convictions. Despite various institutional safeguards in the criminal justice system, wrongful convictions occur due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, witness misidentification and perjury, investigative errors, forensic errors, and prosecutorial misconduct, resulting in serious personal loss to the wrongfully convicted and damage to the criminal justice institution. The wrongfully convicted often spend years in prison before any measure of justice is achieved.
The wrongful conviction practice at Appellate Advocates seeks to identify and investigate cases where our client is factually innocent. To reverse these miscarriages of justice, the actual innocence practice conducts a thorough investigation of each client’s innocence claim, culminating in a written motion to vacate and dismiss the judgment, or submission of a petition to one of the post-conviction review bureaus created by the District Attorneys in each borough in New York City to investigate credible claims of actual innocence.
Appellate Advocates is presently soliciting law students who have completed their second year of law school and share our drive to achieve justice for those people who have been wrongfully accused and convicted. During a ten-week summer internship program, interns will work closely with the wrongful conviction team of attorneys and in-house investigator to review record evidence, uncover evidence not previously known, meet and interview the client and witnesses, and draft either a motion to vacate the judgment or petition to the appropriate post-conviction review board. Successful applicants will have superior analytical and writing skills.
We are also seeking externs who are interested in working with the wrongful conviction team throughout the school year. If you are interested in working with us, please send your resume to [email protected] and indicate “Wrongful Conviction Externship Program” on the subject line.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Appellate Advocates’ Re-entry Program assists clients in applying for and obtaining public benefits; understanding and pursuing housing options; obtaining clothing; preparing resumes and pursuing employment; enrolling in educational programs; and locating appropriate referrals to mental health, substance abuse, vocational and other programs. It also acts as the client’s advocate, when needed. Additionally, the program coordinates with family members and other supportive individuals and engages in short-term peer counseling or check-ins for clients who find the transition difficult.
Position Description: Appellate Advocates is seeking a full-time Program Associate for our Re-entry Program, which connects clients being released from prison or jail with the resources and support they need to successfully rejoin their communities. The Appellate Advocates Re-entry Program is part of an interdisciplinary team of social workers and client advocates.
Responsibilities:
• Correspond with clients while they are incarcerated and offer re-entry services
• Assess clients’ needs and goals (both during and after incarceration)
• Provide clients with support and mentorship during the adjustment to life after incarceration
• Assist clients in applying for public benefits, when eligible
• Advocate for clients in need of public benefits, housing, and other services
• Locate and make appropriate referrals to service providers
• Help clients prepare a resume and provide referrals for transitional employment and job training
• Work collaboratively with social worker(s) and clients’ attorneys at Appellate Advocates in the provision of services
• Network with various agencies
Necessary Experience:
• Experience providing direct services to marginalized, vulnerable, and/or formerly incarcerated persons
• Knowledge of re-entry challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people, as well as benefits and services available
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with and dedication to working with formerly incarcerated persons, including non-citizens, those suffering from mental illness, and/or those with substance abuse problems
• Experience working with people who are subject to the New York Sex Offender Registration Act
• Strong teamwork skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in another language a plus
• Formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained step scale, with a range from $69,207.94 to $97,036.27. Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.
Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a single PDF document to [email protected], referencing “Re-entry Associate Position 2026” in the subject line.
Position Description: Appellate Advocates is seeking at least one full-time Mailroom Clerk to assist with the office’s operations.
Responsibilities:
• Regular travel by subway to courthouses, law offices, or other agencies in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island to copy, scan, and/or retrieve legal documents/files;
• Digitize documents by scanning documents and then accurately and appropriately labeling and organizing digital files in-office for use by attorneys, paralegals, and other staff;
• Process copying, binding, mailing, and other office-related services requests from staff;
• Organize, process, and distribute incoming and outgoing mail;
• As needed, assist with other clerical tasks and with internal moves of furniture, files, and computer equipment; and
• Maintaining and stocking office supplies and materials, watering office plants as needed, and ensuring general orderliness and cleanliness of the staff kitchens.
Qualifications:
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to operate independently, including off-site when retrieving documents;
• Ability to manage multiple and prioritize multiple tasks with competing deadlines;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and basic Windows computing;
• Possession of (or ability to obtain) a New York Secure Pass for court access.
Physical Requirements:
• This position requires regular lifting of heavy objects up to 50 pounds and larger items up to 100 pounds with the assistance of carts, hard carts, and dollies as necessary.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained step scale, with a range from $57,589.16 to $71,298.27. Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.
Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a single PDF document to [email protected], referencing “Mailroom Clerk Position” in the subject line.
