Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Position Description: Appellate Advocates has an immediate opening for a highly motivated attorney
to litigate claims for resentencing under New York’s recently enacted Domestic Violence Survivors
Justice Act (“DVSJA”). With support from supervising attorneys, paralegals, and a social worker,
DVSJA staff attorneys are responsible for interviewing clients who are typically serving lengthy prison
sentences after experiencing varying degrees of trauma; reviewing underlying case files and various
records; and consulting appropriate experts. DVSJA attorneys will draft motions, negotiate with the
District Attorney’s Office, represent clients in court, and pursue DVSJA claims on appeal.
Responsibilities:
● Consult with DVSJA supervising attorneys to discuss case strategy;
● Interview clients, by video conference, telephone, and in person at state prisons when possible,
to identify instances of domestic violence and any other mitigating factors to support an
application for a reduced sentence;
● Interview clients’ family and/or friends and obtain affidavits or letters of support;
● Collaborate with paralegals and review all documentation relating to client’s incarceration,
legal history, and medical/mental health history, to identify mitigation evidence and
corroboration of domestic violence;
● Identify when additional documents or expert testimony is appropriate;
● Draft and file DVSJA resentencing applications;
● Screen cases to prioritize assignments and assess claim viability; file stipulations and/or
motions to withdraw as counsel as needed;
● Communicate and negotiate with District Attorney’s Office, in consultation with DVSJA
supervising attorneys;
● Represent clients in any related court conferences, and DVSJA hearings which may require
presenting and/or cross-examining witnesses and providing oral argument; and
● Litigate DVSJA claims on appeal to the Appellate Division, Second Department, which
includes filing an appellate brief and presenting oral argument.
Qualifications:
● Admission to the New York State Bar or imminent plans for admission by applicant from
another jurisdiction;
● Experience representing or providing advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence or
family trauma preferred;
● Sensitivity to medical and mental health issues;
● A demonstrated commitment to public defense or serving under-resourced communities;
● Strong analytical skills, including, but not limited to, effectively organizing facts and legal
arguments, recognizing gaps and weaknesses in presentation of facts and law, and bringing
creativity to the entire process of developing the arguments raised;
● Excellent writing ability including clearly, accurately, and persuasively presenting a factual
narrative and legal arguments;
● Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage responsibilities and work independently; and
● Desire and ability to collaborate with paralegals and Social Work & Re-Entry Team to
strengthen DVSJA applications and offer counseling and re-entry services to clients as needed.
Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. To this end, we seek
to:
● Hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic identities of
the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately impacted by
the criminal legal system;
● Ensure a workplace where diversity and inclusion is fostered and different perspectives are
valued and freely exchanged; and
● Ensure that all staff members, including interns, feel welcome, respected, and have equal
opportunities to thrive and advance within the organization.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained pay
scale, with a range from $78,891.23 to $130,745.60. 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.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of references as a single PDF
to [email protected], referencing “DV Staff Attorney Position” in the subject line by October 15, 2024.
Applicants with disabilities may contact Melissa Taveras via telephone (212-693-0085 ext. 252) or e-
mail [email protected] to request and arrange for accommodations for submitting an application.
Appellate Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment
opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or
genetic information. Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive
workforce, and seeks to hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and
socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities
disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system. We strongly encourage people
historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
Appellate Advocates’ Direct Appeal Summer Internship Program
We are currently soliciting law students who have completed their first or second year of law school. During a ten-week program, interns will be provided with mini-trainings covering relevant law and procedure and will work closely with senior staff attorneys to issue spot, conduct legal research, and draft legal documents for a direct appeal from a trial or guilty plea case. Case assignments might also involve direct appeals involving New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act.
Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Law students who have a strong interest in appellate criminal defense work are encouraged to apply. Excellent research and writing skills are essentials. This is a volunteer, unpaid position. Summer interns are strongly encouraged to seek out and apply for grants from their school or other sources.
If you are interested in working with us, please send, in PDF form, a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of 2-3 references to [email protected]. We will only contact applicants who have been chosen for an interview. We fill positions on a rolling basis and begin considering applications in September for the following summer.
Appellate Advocates’ 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 have completed their first or second year of law school. 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. This is a volunteer, unpaid position. Summer interns are strongly encouraged to seek out and apply for grants from their school or other sources.
If you are interested in working with us, please send your resume to [email protected] and indicate in the subject line that you are interested in the DVSJA Summer Internship Program. We fill positions on a rolling basis and begin considering applications in September for the following summer.
We also welcome externs throughout the year. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Appellate Advocates is not currently soliciting applications.
