Client Advocate / Paralegal - Conditions_Plea Project

ABOUT US

The Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) is hiring a Paralegal/Client Advocate to split their time between our Conditions of Confinement Project and our Plea Project.

CAL is a non-profit public defender law firm that represents clients convicted of crimes in Manhattan and the Bronx. We work with and on behalf of clients in all aspects of their post-conviction proceedings.

CAL’S CONDITIONS OF CONFINEMENT AND PLEA PROJECTS

CAL’s Conditions of Confinement Project advocates on behalf of CAL clients who are experiencing issues accessing physical and mental health care, violence and harassment, violations of solitary confinement law, and difficulties accessing their basic needs in detention.

CAL’s Plea Project zealously represents clients who have been convicted of crimes following guilty pleas. We seek to fully consider all possible ways to challenge clients convictions, and to work closely with clients to fully advise clients of those challenges and aid them in deciding whether to accept risks associated with appealing.

POSITION OVERVIEW

All CA’s are responsible for communicating with clients. The Conditions of Confinement/Plea Project role specifically entails:

• Navigating institutions within the criminal carceral system, including DOCCS, to advocate for folks convicted of crimes;
• Corresponding with clients via legal mail and legal calls;
• Speaking with and visiting clients in prison and other dehumanizing settings –typically as the first point of contact – in a variety of capacities, including discussing risks associated with pursuing appeals in felony plea cases;
• Drafting motions in felony plea appeals;
• Using software to locate clients in the community and gather relevant information;
• Speaking to trial attorneys, family members, and other community-supports;
• Ordering and reviewing medical and other records for mitigation and advocacy purposes; and
• Aiding clients in securing relief granted by the appellate court, e.g., vacating court fees.

Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat, the Microsoft Office suite of products, and Westlaw is not a prerequisite, but the ability and willingness to learn such skills is required. The ideal applicant will remain in the CA position for at least two years.

CAs are members of the bargaining unit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A commitment to and passion for working with and on behalf of individuals who have been convicted of crimes; some of whom are facing immigration consequences;
• 2-3 years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree;
• A willingness to work and travel to dehumanizing institutions in New York State, including jails and prisons;
• Spanish fluency preferred;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Computer proficiency;
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, manage a dynamic caseload, and be a team player.

LOCATION

The position is based at CAL’s New York City office. CAL has a hybrid remote office policy and CAs are permitted to work remotely 8-10 days per month.

SALARY

Salary will be based on experience and will range from $55,620 for new college graduates or those with one year of experience up to $62,315 for applicants with three years of experience. CAL offers comprehensive medical benefits, a retirement account, and generous vacation time, holidays, personal, and sick days.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At CAL, we embrace and value our staff’s diversity, recognizing that our differences strengthen our community and advance our mission. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply. CAL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, citizenship status, color, credit history, creed, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, marital status, partnership status, pregnancy, race, religion, salary history, sexual and reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran or active military service member, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.