EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Staff Attorneys
The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) is a not-for-profit firm of 19 lawyers devoted to providing high-quality representation to indigent persons primarily in criminal appeals in state court and collateral proceedings in state and federal court. OAD is a unique hybrid — part law firm, part training program — that has built a national reputation for attracting outstanding lawyers and providing comprehensive training, while serving its indigent clients.
OAD offers two-year, with a possibility for a third year, staff attorney positions to lawyers who have demonstrated top-level skills in legal research and writing as well as a commitment to providing legal services to indigent persons. Each staff attorney is intensively trained and supervised. Every case is double-teamed by the staff attorney, who personally handles all aspects of the case, and a supervisor, who reads the record, discusses legal strategy with the staff attorney, and assists the staff attorney in editing all written submissions and preparing for oral argument; in addition, OAD conducts multiple moot arguments for every case.
The office attracts some of the most outstanding new lawyers in the nation. Many have clerked for prominent judges in the federal or state courts. OAD also employs lawyers with non-judicial post-graduate experience as well as distinguished law graduates straight out of school. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to defending the underdog and to public service.
Salary for OAD staff attorneys is based on years of experience, and currently starts at $50,000 per year. All OAD staff receive excellent benefits. Staff attorney positions begin in September of each year.
OAD is committed to hiring staff members with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Strong preference will be given to applications received by December 15, and applications received after that date may not be considered. Interveiwing of candidates will occur in January and February. Interested applicants should submit, by mail only, a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: Carolyn Wilson, Administrative Specialist, Office of the Appellate Defender, 11 Park Place, Suite 1601, New York, NY 10007.