Job Description

Minimum Qualifications Juris Doctorate, admission to or willingness to seek admission to New York State Bar, and a minimum of 10 years\' experience in criminal and family defense appellate representation.

Preferred: An ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to quality mandated representation and criminal and family justice issues; a track record as an effective team manager; a high degree of professionalism and collegiality with a deeply collaborative approach; sound judgment; and strong oral and written skills. Experience in post-conviction litigation is a plus.

Duties Description \xe2\x80\xa2 Evaluates the quality of mandated appellate and post-conviction representation provided throughout New York State;

• Coordinates with ILS\' Research Unit to collect and analyze data concerning mandated appellate and post-conviction representation;
• Works closely with the ILS Criminal Defense Representation Unit, Parent Defense Unit, Research Unit, and Western New York Regional Support Center to identify barriers to quality mandated representation in criminal and Family Court matters and develop strategies to overcome them;
• Encourages and supports innovative initiatives for improved quality mandated representation in criminal and Family Court matters, particularly in appellate and post-conviction matters;
• Convenes the Appellate Defender Council (ILS\' advisory group on appellate matters) and leads the Council in identifying priorities and initiatives;
• In collaboration with ILS colleagues and the Appellate Defender Council, monitors implementation of the ILS Appellate Standards and Best Practices (\xe2\x80\x9cStandards\xe2\x80\x9d), identifies any need to revise and update the Standards, and develops and initiates the process for doing so;
• Participates in relevant bar association committees and New York State and national defender groups;
• Develops a network of appellate support program leaders nationwide;
• Carries out the directives of the ILS Director, provides the ILS Director with recommendations for improving the quality of mandated appellate and post-conviction representation, and handles special projects; and
• Manages and oversees the work of the SASC, and sets priorities and protocols for the SASC, consistent with ILS policies.

The SASC is a recent ILS initiative that supports the delivery of quality representation in criminal and Family Court matters. The SASC does so by offering appellate support to attorneys doing direct appeals in criminal and Family Court matters; litigation support to counsel providing criminal or parent defense at the trial level; and post-conviction assistance to counsel handling Criminal Procedure Law Article 440 motions. The SASC includes eight staff members: two senior appellate attorneys, two appellate attorneys, a junior appellate attorney, a paralegal, a special assistant for investigation, and a special assistant for mitigation. The two senior appellate attorneys assist the Appellate Director in overseeing the SASC\'s work and supervising the SASC staff.

Additional Comments The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to New Yorkers facing criminal charges or family litigation who cannot afford counsel. Our agency\'s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.

ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.

We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Health Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Advantage Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees\' Retirement System
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan

ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS\'s policies, subject to supervisor approval.

The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there\'s much to enjoy and explore.

Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov/publicservice.

The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at DEEO@OGS.NY.Gov.

Please note, this position is temporary pending final approval from the Civil Service Commission. Any potential appointment will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and the employment relationship can be altered at any time by either party.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency\'s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

New York State