Staff Attorney

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for multiple Staff Attorney openings in its Disciplinary Representation Unit. This position will be based in PLS’s Albany office.

About PLS

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, excessive use of force, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to education, child visitation and support, immigration, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh.

Job Description

The Disciplinary Representation Unit is a new unit within PLS. In enacting the HALT Act (Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement), the NYS Legislature granted incarcerated New Yorkers the right to representation in prison disciplinary hearings. The DRU will be focused on fulfilling this exciting and unmet need for representation. As such, staff attorneys will be responsible for responding to requests for representation, gathering evidence and testimony, coordinating and providing representation. Staff attorneys may also provide support to paralegals and law students who are advising and/or representing individuals involved in disciplinary proceedings.

The ideal applicant will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law, family law, or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment. Typical duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducting a thorough review and prioritization of requests for representation;
• Representing diverse clients and providing representation at prison disciplinary hearings;
• Advocating and litigating to challenge prison determinations and/or policies;
• Preparing legal documents both for individual cases as well as informational materials distributed to the incarcerated population.
• Reporting to supervising attorneys on cases, developing novel legal strategies, schedule management and other matters; and
• Working in a close and collaborative environment with PLS’s team of

experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be (1) admitted to practice in New York; (2) admitted in another state and eligible for admission on motion to the New York bar; or (3) scheduled to take the next administration of the New York bar exam;
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently;
• Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles, often involving time limits and/or deadlines;
• Ability to work in a collaborative team model;
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary, prison employees, and the public;
• Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma preferred;
• Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred; and
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Salary and Benefits

PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are determined in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $71,059– $94,140. The specific salary offer will be dependent on the candidate's qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

PLS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to: MDunn@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.