The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is
seeking a Staff Attorney in our Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit.
Staff attorneys 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.
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 April 1, 2019.
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