Description

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Managing Attorney in our Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit (APCU). Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit Chief Attorney, the Managing Attorney-APCU leads a range of appellate, administrative, and supervisory functions within the criminal law domain. The role primarily focuses on perfecting indigent criminal appeals for individuals convicted across various counties in Western New York. The Managing Attorney-APCU serves as a legal strategist and team leader-providing guidance, mentorship, training, and editorial oversight-fostering collaboration and excellence in appellate advocacy.

 The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through quality, client-centered and holistic legal representation. 

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $109,000 to $127,000, commensurate with your experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
  • Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.
  • Paid parenthood leave plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings
  • Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the Chief Attorney in managing daily operations, including measures to ensure unit efficiency, ethical case handling, and high-quality client representation. Assists in supervising staff attorneys.
• Provides leadership through active engagement in legal practice, maintaining a visible and consistent presence in the courtroom, and managing an appropriate caseload to model high standards of advocacy, professionalism, and accountability for staff.
• Oversees and ensures effective, timely, and professional communication with clients of the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit, including providing updates on case progress, explaining legal processes and outcomes, addressing client concerns, and ensuring that all interactions reflect the organization’s commitment to client-centered representation.
• Monitors and supervises the collection and organization of documents necessary for compiling records on appeal, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procedural requirements. Coordinates with staff and external agencies to facilitate timely acquisition of transcripts, filings, and other relevant materials, and resolves issues that may delay or compromise the appellate process.
• Coordinates moot court sessions for staff attorneys.
• Regularly consults with the Chief Attorney on unit operations, including personnel matters.
• Trains attorneys on effective appellate advocacy and supervises attorneys to ensure timely completion of briefs and motions. Consults regularly with staff attorneys about their cases.
• Manages the proper filing of pleadings and briefs with both the Appellate Division and the NYS Court of Appeals, ensuring compliance with all applicable rules of procedure, formatting requirements, and deadlines.
• Directs and supports the investigation and filing of post-conviction motions managed by the Unit, including CDP-CPL §§ 440.10, 440.20, 440.47, and 460.30 motions, ensuring legal accuracy, procedural compliance, and strategic alignment with case objectives.
• Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and serves as a legal resource to unit staff.
• Coordinates important public outreach activities with the legal community.
• Participates in community activities and education and service opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Attorney-Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit and Chief Executive Officer.

Employment Standards: Active membership in the New York State Bar; and 

• 5 years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal appeals preferred; or
• A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Managerial experience preferred.
• Reliable transportation and license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.
   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Requires knowledge of statutory laws related to practicing Criminal Law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Corrections Law and Judiciary Law; trial and appellate court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Must be able to perform high volume of administrative responsibilities.
• Needs to exhibit the ability to effectively supervise and support diverse personalities.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication abilities across diverse audiences and settings.
• Must demonstrate strategic thinking and ability to analyze information and data.
• Expected to lead with vision and manage effectively across organizational systems to support long-term goals.
• Requires the ability to adapt to the needs of the unit and unit staff.
• Must work well independently and with others.
• Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, Microsoft applications and digital legal research using online databases and legal information platforms.
• Maintains confidentiality and objectivity.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse and interdisciplinary teams while ensuring an inclusive work environment.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references to resume@labbuffalo.org or mail them to:

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.
Attention: Human Resources
290 Main Street, Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14202

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.