Staff Attorney, Criminal Appeals Bureau

The Legal Aid Society has openings for Staff Attorneys in the Criminal Appeals Bureau (CAB) unit, to start in or around September 2026. CAB provides legal representation for people who have been convicted of a crime and cannot afford to pay an attorney. CAB is the largest post‑conviction public defender in New York City, serving over 1,000 people each year with misdemeanor and felony convictions.

Through its appellate practice, CAB advocates against unjust and illegal judgments in the criminal legal system. CAB’s model of litigation combines well‑researched, rigorous advocacy with a client‑centered focus and partners with other units to address both direct and collateral consequences of conviction.

• Maintain organizational skills and practices necessary to manage a high‑volume caseload including direct appeals, CPL 440.10 and 440.20 motions, sex‑offender registration hearings, risk‑level modification petitions, and other post‑conviction relief.
• Develop and exercise judgment in approaching cases with creativity and client‑centeredness.
• Research and analyze case law, statutes, treatises, and secondary sources.
• Draft and revise briefs in preparation for filing.
• Review, brainstorm, and discuss case strategy with colleagues and supervisors.
• Prepare for and advocate orally before trial courts and appellate courts, as needed.
• Communicate regularly with and advise clients about the appellate process and potential options, including withdrawals of appeals when appropriate.
• Participate in continuing education on best practices, legal developments, and the impact of race, wealth, and gender on the criminal legal system.
• Demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive workplace for all CAB staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Be admitted to the New York State Bar or be a law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society’s Practice Order.
• Knowledge of evidence law, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with all members of the staff.
• Ability to work independently with personal initiative and organization.
• Commitment to serving low‑income communities and communities of color.
• Demonstrated thoughtfulness about the attorney’s role in public defense, social and racial justice, and equity.

• Criminal appellate experience or equivalent post‑conviction experience.
• Experience working with incarcerated individuals in prison.

Salary Range: $84,000 – $152,500. The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability and life insurance, and more.

The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Employees may qualify for state and federal loan forgiveness programs, and New York residents may be eligible for state assistance with loan repayments. Learn more at student aid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
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All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We currently do not sponsor employment visas or permits. (Citizens of Canada and Mexico may receive a letter from LAS to support obtaining a TN visa.)

All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample

For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants based on actual or perceived race or color, size, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, relationship and family structure, genetic information, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre‑employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity, and inclusion. We build strong professional relationships with each client and with each colleague, continuously learning about identity, bias, and systemic oppression and participating in efforts to dismantle bias in all forms.