Staff Attorney Non-Citizen Post-Conviction Relief Practice

Appellate Advocates (www.appad.org) is a nonprofit public defender organization based in lower Manhattan, providing high-quality representation to individuals convicted of crimes in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Our clients, who cannot afford legal representation, are assigned Appellate Advocates as counsel by the courts. Many of our clients are among society’s most disenfranchised and reside in diverse and predominantly Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. Our attorneys, paralegals, and support staff are dedicated to ensuring that each of our clients receives the zealous representation that anyone accused of a crime is entitled to and deserves.

Our Non-Citizen Post-Conviction Relief (“PCR”) Practice

Our Non-Citizen Post-Conviction Relief Practice strives to mitigate the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Staff Attorneys in the practice represent non-citizen clients seeking post-conviction relief through motion practice in New York criminal courts, securing immigration-safer dispositions, and conducting clemency advocacy.

Position Description: We are seeking to immediately hire a full-time attorney to in the PCR Practice

General Responsibilities:

• Investigate non-citizen clients’ mitigating narrative and legal claims
• Interview clients and family members
• Draft persuasive advocacy letters and occasional clemency applications
• Draft post-conviction motions that present strong legal claims and mitigating narrative
• Represent client in all phases of litigation, including court appearances for evidentiary hearings and plea proceedings
• Conduct relevant legal research
• Collaborate with colleagues, including the social work team

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, immigrant rights, and social justice
• Experience representing defendants in criminal court, non-citizens in removal proceedings, or other “crim-imm” experience preferred, but recent law school graduates may apply
• Strong research and writing skills
• A self-directed ability to manage an active and dynamic caseload
• Admission to the New York State bar or commitment to gain admission
• Spanish-language ability preferred, but not required

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained scale, with a range from $83,585.20 to $112,750.00 Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of references as a single PDF to apply@appad.org, referencing “PCR Attorney Position” in the subject line. Applicants with disabilities may contact Melissa Taveras via telephone (212-693-0085 ext. 252) or e-mail apply@appad.org to request and arrange for accommodations for submitting an application.

Due Date: March 6, 2026

Appellate Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, and seeks to hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system. We strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefit package, including health and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.

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