VOLUNTEER APPELLATE DEFENDER PROGRAM

OAD's Volunteer Appellate Defender Program (VAD) is a public-private partnership under which each year up to 65 associates from 15 of New York's top law firms, after intensive training and under strict supervision, argue criminal appeals on behalf of OAD clients. VAD's primary goal is to provide first-class appellate representation, while offering each volunteer attorney intensive and individualized training that is virtually unparalleled among pro bono programs.

The VAD training, which is a fully accredited Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program, begins with a series of seminars covering: the mechanics and general principles of appellate practice; issue identification in criminal cases; research materials and techniques for criminal practice; brief writing; and oral advocacy. The seminars are supplemented with a thorough manual of written materials on both procedural and substantive areas of criminal law.

The VAD seminars build the foundation for ongoing training in the context of litigating a particular case. Each volunteer works closely with a supervisor on an appeal of a felony conviction. The volunteer handles all phases of representation, from communications with the client to briefing and arguing the case in the Appellate Division. The supervisor advises the volunteer on client relations; reads the entire record; discusses strategy with the volunteer; advises the volunteer on the best approach to researching and writing the brief and any additional motions; edits drafts of the brief; consults on the reply brief; prepares the volunteer for oral argument; attends and critiques the oral argument; and reviews any post-argument submissions.

VAD offers volunteer attorneys an opportunity for a meaningful and fulfilling experience and helps instill a commitment to public interest service in lawyers whose practice otherwise usually does not include serving indigent clients.

The following law firms have participated in VAD:

For more information about VAD, please contact VAD Director Daniel A. Warshawsky at 212-402-4100, or by e-mail at dwarshawsky@appellatedefender.org.