Description

THE GOAL OF THE DEPUTY DEFENDER FOR DISCOVERY LITIGATION AND EXPERT SERVICES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENT CLIENTS IN CRIMINAL CASES BY: (1) ASSISTING THE PANEL ATTORNEYS IN ANALYZING LEGAL AND STRATEGIC ISSUES, (2) BROADENING THE SCOPE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE PANEL ATTORNEYS, ESPECIALLY IN NEW OR CHANGED AREAS OF LAW, AND (3) PROVIDING RELIABLE AND PROMPT IN-OFFICE SUPPORT FOR TRIAL ATTORNEYS WHO ENCOUNTER LEGAL ISSUES

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist criminal panel attorneys in analyzing and resolving complex legal and strategic issues involving CPL 245.00.
• Assist criminal panel attorneys in writing persuasive motions and memoranda of law, as requested.
• Works in tandem with the Discovery/Trial Technical Assistance Administrative Assistants to assist attorneys in the review, digestion and utilization of discovery materials in cases assigned to them by the program.
• On call at all times to resolve urgent legal issues that arise during trials and other court proceedings, including superior courts and court proceedings that are held outside of business hours.
• Coordinates with the Chief Criminal Investigator and participates in “Criminal War Room” sessions where applicable to area of expertise.
• Prepares and teaches CLE courses, making use of written materials and training aids.
• Keeps abreast of developments in the law involving discovery litigation, digests those changes, and communicates them to panel attorneys.
• Updates, maintains and coordinates use of ACP’s Expert Witness database, including developing best practices for use of experts. Operates as the point person for expert witness requests from panel attorneys and works in tandem with the Voucher Supervisor regarding expert witness requests, scopes of work, and vouchers.
• Assists with the maintenance and population of the ACP Expert database. Is the point person for panel requests regarding investigators by practice area.
• Develops best practices for use of experts by the ACP panel.
• At the request of ACP management, participates in statewide advocacy activities on issues involving CPL 245 and discovery in general.
• Assists in review of panel attorneys to ensure that clients are receiving quality representation.
• Participates as a member of the Criminal Division Team to innovate and develop methods of improvement to the quality of representation for indigent criminal clients.
• Carries out instructions of the First Deputy Defender – Criminal and the Chief Defender/Executive Director Erie County Bar Association’s Aid to Indigent Prisoners Society, Inc.

SALARY RANGE

$115,000 to $133,860

LOCATION

403 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14203 and Remote Work as allowed

ADDITIONAL NOTES
The Assigned Counsel Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar
• Seven (7) years legal experience, preferably in a combination of criminal trial and criminal appellate work

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Ability to accurately digest complex legal issues, case law, and statutes
• Strong research and writing skills
• Strong organization skills, as there is a high volume of attorney requests for assistance
• Trial experience in order to consult attorneys regarding strategy
• Demonstrated dedication to working with indigent and underserved populations
• Demonstrated expertise in CPL 245

To Apply: 

Send a cover letter and resume to Khartung@assigned.org.

Katie Hartung 

Administrative Assistant/HR & Grant Specialist 

Erie County Bar Association  

Assigned Counsel Program  

403 Main Street 

Suite 215 

Buffalo, New York 14203