Description

ROLE OVERVIEW:
A Staff Attorney in the 5-year Fellowship program will be responsible for providing timely and zealous legal representation in the trial and appellate courts while meeting goals and expectations of the Fellowship program. In the early years of the program, staff attorneys will collaborate closely with Supervising Attorneys as they read the appellate record together, conference the case to identify issues and develop a theory of the case. A Staff Attorney also receives comprehensive support and training on all other aspects of appellate and post-conviction representation while maintaining a high-volume caseload throughout the duration of the Fellowship program.
Every staff member is expected to incorporate OAD’s core values Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration into their work and interactions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal direct appeal representation in the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals; in post-conviction motions and hearings; in hearings to determine classification level pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA); and in federal habeas corpus challenges to state court convictions. Extensive research and writing of appellate briefs. 
• Case conferencing, strategy development, client communication, and legal visits.
• Advising clients of potential appellate options, including withdrawal of appeals where appropriate.
• When appropriate, collaborate with or make referrals to the Client Services Director and Client Services Coordinators to address prison condition issues and to assist clients with parole proceedings and re-entry preparation.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to a state bar and in good standing, with the ability to obtain New York admission within a reasonable time.
• Up to two years of criminal defense experience, including exposure to appellate, post-conviction, or trial-level advocacy.
• Experience reviewing records and drafting motions or briefs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in appellate advocacy, legal writing, and issue development, with a willingness to engage deeply with complex legal records.
  Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and identify legally significant issues.
• Capacity to receive, integrate, and apply feedback in a rigorous and iterative writing process.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and a high-volume caseload.
• Dedicated commitment to client-centered representation, including the ability to engage with clients with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals whose lived experiences differ from one’s own, including individuals impacted by poverty, systemic inequities, mental health challenges, and incarceration.
• Commitment to learning, professional growth, and reflective practice, including openness to supervision, mentorship, and continuous development.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and effectively to clients, colleagues, and courts.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, including contributing to a team-based approach to case development and advocacy.
• Capacity to manage the emotional and intellectual demands of public defense work with professionalism and resilience.