Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit

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 legal representation and assistance.

 Definition:  Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit (“APCU”) Chief Attorney, performs a variety of appellate, administrative and supervisory activities in the area of criminal law; predominantly the perfection of indigent criminal appeals on behalf of individuals convicted in various counties in Western New York; performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:  The Managing Attorney is responsible for supervising aspects of the appeals assigned to the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit (“Unit”), including: overseeing communication with clients, coordinating important public outreach activities with the legal community, coordinating moot court sessions for staff attorneys, monitoring the gathering of documents for records on appeal, overseeing the proper filing of pleadings and briefs with both the Appellate Division and the NYS Court of Appeals; monitoring the investigation and filing of post-conviction motions handled by the Unit, including CPL §§ 440.10, 440.20, 440.47, and 460.30 motions; training attorneys on effective appellate advocacy; and supervising attorneys to ensure timely completion of briefs and motions.

 Employment Standards: 

1. 5 years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal appeals preferred; or
2. A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
3. Managerial experience preferred.
4. Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.
5. 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 of:  all 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.

 Ability to:  effectively supervise diverse personalities, perform all administrative responsibilities in monitoring cases, as well as to perfect criminal appeals; work independently; perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents in legal problems; present statements of law, facts and arguments clearly, logically and forcefully, both in written and oral format; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; identify risks on appeal with clients and effectively convey the best course of action to clients; manage a caseload; operate personal computer and computer applications used by the Units; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; and interact well with the public.

 This position is full-time.

 Salary Range: $117,000 – $137,000, depending on experience

 Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available to you and your dependents.  In addition, we offer generous vacation, personal, and sick time.  Other benefits available to you are long-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, a flexible spending account, and a 401(k) retirement plan. 

Many of our attorneys apply for New York State Higher Education Services Corporation District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness Program and the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

 The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

 Please send your cover letter, at least three references, resume, and writing sample to  resume@legalaidbuffalo.org or 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.