Employment Opportunities
JOB OPENING: Staff Attorneys for Fall 2010
The Office of the Appellate Defender (“OAD”) is a non-profit indigent defense organization of 18 lawyers devoted to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to indigent defendants primarily in criminal appeals in state court and collateral proceedings in state and federal court. OAD is a unique hybrid – part law firm, part training program – that has built a national reputation for attracting outstanding lawyers and finding innovative and economical ways to serve its indigent clients.
OAD offers two-year staff attorney positions, with a possibility for a third year, to lawyers who have demonstrated top-level skills in legal research and writing, as well as a commitment to providing legal services to the indigent. The office attracts attorneys who have clerked in state and federal courts, attorneys with non-judicial post-graduate experience, and law graduates straight out of law school.
OAD’s training program begins with 36 formal sessions on topics including all significant procedural and substantive areas of criminal law and appellate practice. Each staff attorney is intensively supervised, including “double-teaming” of each case. Under the “double-teaming” method, which is unique to OAD, the supervisor assigned to the case reads the entire appellate record, and works closely with the staff attorney to identify appellate issues and develop a theory of the case. The supervisor also edits drafts of the briefs and helps to prepare the staff attorney for oral argument. This model provides high-quality training to staff attorneys, while assuring that no client is compromised by being represented by a less-experienced attorney.
OAD is devoted to maintaining a staff of lawyers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to public service and to defending the disadvantaged.
Salary for OAD staff attorneys is based on years of experience, and currently starts at $50,000 for law graduates. All OAD staff receive excellent benefits.
Strong preference will be given to applications received by December 15, and applications received after that date may not be considered. Interviewing of candidates will occur in January and February. Interested applicants should submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter. The cover letter should specifically address 1) why the applicant is interested in working at OAD; and 2) what skills or experiences make the applicant a strong candidate. Application materials should be sent, by mail only, to Carolyn Wilson, Administrative Specialist.
Office of the Appellate DefenderAttn: Carolyn Wilson, Administrative Specialist
11 Park Place
Suite 1601
New York, NY 10007