The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo
seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable
individuals, children and families in the Western New York community through
quality legal representation and assistance. Staff attorneys in the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit are
responsible for handling every aspect of the appeals that are assigned to them,
from the communication with the client upon receipt of the file through the
communication with the client upon the outcome of the case in the Appellate
Division and, as necessary, the outcome of any leave application filed with the
Court of Appeals (the state's highest court).
In the event that an application for leave is granted by the Court of
Appeals, perfecting the appeal in the Court of Appeals. Staff Attorney also investigates cases for
potential post-conviction issues, and files such motions as are appropriate.
Examples of Duties:
1. Reads transcripts of case.
2. Takes notes from transcripts and prepares a
transcript summary for use in drafting appeal.
3. Discerns legal issues from the transcript
and/or client questionnaire and necessary researching of law.
4. Researches possible legal issues; chooses
appropriate issues for brief and discards issues that are non-meritorious or
less than meritorious, keeping in mind the obligation to provide "meaningful
representation" as that term has been defined by the Court of Appeals.
5. Drafts appellant's principal and reply briefs;
submits completed draft of brief to Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit supervisor
for review; incorporates supervisor's suggestions, and as necessary prepares a
redraft of brief.
6. Corresponds with client, and either visits client
at correctional facility or discusses case with client via confidential phone
call with the facility. Out-of-custody
consultation with some clients occurs as well.
7. Corresponds with trial attorney, as
necessary.
8. Prepares stipulation to the record on appeal
and submits to District Attorney's Offices; speaks with assistant district
attorney as necessary until an agreement on the contents of stipulation is
reached.
9. Gathers physical documents for appendix and
submits to Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit investigator for numbering and
copying.
10. Meets regularly, and at least weekly, with
Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit supervisor to discuss status of cases.
11. Keeps abreast of recent developments in
criminal law.
12. Disposes of a satisfactory number of cases
per calendar year, the number to be determined by supervisor.
13. Performs other duties as assigned by Appeals and
Post-Conviction Unit supervisor, including, but not limited to, participation
in moot court sessions and arguing cases in court.
Employment Standards: Active membership in the New York State Bar;
and
1. Experience as an attorney in the practice of
criminal appeals preferred; or
2. A combination of training, education and
experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that
provides the required knowledge and abilities.
3. Computer proficiency, including, but not
limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.
4. Reliable transportation and license to
operate a motor vehicle in New York State.
Knowledge of: all statutory laws related to practicing
criminal law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure
Law, Corrections Law, and Judiciary Law; trial and appellate court procedures;
legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and
procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct.
This position is full-time. Salary dependent on experience up to a maximum of $62,400.
The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and
is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/M/F/D/V
Please send your cover letter and resume to resume@legalaidbuffalo.org or The
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., Attention: Human Resources, 290 Main Street,
Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202 by November 27, 2018.
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