The Prisoners' Rights Project of the Criminal Defense Practice has a Staff Attorney position available.
The Prisoners' Rights Project (PRP) represents people incarcerated in the New York State prison and New York City jail systems in litigation -- primarily civil rights class actions and test cases -- to enforce constitutional and other rights. Recent litigation has focused on medical and mental health care, reduction in the use of solitary confinement, violence and sexual abuse by staff, young peoples' right to public education, wrongful deaths, and disability rights, often in collaboration with law firms providing pro bono representation. Some of the Project's work is post-judgment enforcement and compliance monitoring. The Project engages in policy, media, and community-based advocacy on behalf of clients, including with State and City legislatures, correction and health departments, and correctional oversight agencies, often in conjunction with community partners. It also engages in administrative advocacy on behalf of incarcerated individuals on a wide range of issues, such as the rights of transgender persons, the denial of medical or mental health care, the admission of mothers and infants to the nursery program, and protection from violence by correctional staff or other incarcerated persons.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* All phases of affirmative litigation concerning prison and jail conditions, including factual investigation, discovery, document review, written and oral advocacy, settlement and trial practice, and enforcement and compliance monitoring.
* Client representation and advocacy with prisons, jails and other local, state and federal agencies.
* Visits to and correspondence with clients.
* Policy advocacy on issues affecting incarcerated persons.
* Coalition work, training, outreach and education to individuals, community based organizations and criminal justice advocates.
* Working with pro bono lawyers.
* Overnight travel within New York State and extended hours when matters are especially active.