Careers

OAD is the second oldest institutional provider of appellate representation in New York City. For 37 years, OAD has stood as a beacon of hope for people at the intersection of poverty and injustice. Our clients have been convicted of felony offenses in Manhattan and/or the Bronx and have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment and post-release supervision. Despite the circumstances of our clients’ offenses, convictions, and sentences, we believe in the humanity and dignity of every human being which informs our client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. We are a beloved community of colleagues who are dedicated to public defense, access to justice, and racial equity.

Admitted Attorneys

The Office of the Appellate Defender is currently hiring for the following attorney positions:

The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) is one of New York City’s oldest provider of appellate representation to people who cannot afford to pay an attorney for the appeal of a criminal conviction. OAD’s core mission is to ensure full and equal access to justice by providing high-quality and client-centered representation throughout the appellate process. This approach enables our attorneys to focus on the best issues for appeal, to tell our clients’ stories effectively, and to identify and pursue other forms of advocacy that are most effective for each client’s unique circumstances. OAD is committed to developing and litigating innovative legal theories that most effectively demonstrate the injustices that our clients have experienced.

OAD is devoted to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a workforce comprised of individuals from different cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities. OAD recognizes that our clients are predominantly Black and Brown people and firmly believes that a diverse staff is important to providing this standard of representation. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to public service and to defending people who have been disadvantaged by legal and economic systems.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Deputy Attorney-in-Charge serves as a member of the leadership team at OAD, working in close partnership with the President and Attorney-in-Charge to guide the organization’s legal strategy, operational effectiveness, and organizational culture. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance excellence in appellate advocacy with systems-level thinking, staff development, and external engagement.

The Deputy Attorney-in-Charge is expected to model and operationalize OAD’s core values—Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration—in all aspects of leadership, decision-making, and engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Shape and advance OAD’s legal strategy in appellate and post-conviction representation
• Analyze complex legal issues and guide the development of responsive, high-impact legal approaches
• Contribute to broader criminal justice reform efforts at the city, state, and national levels
• Collaborate with practitioners and stakeholders to influence policy, practice, and public discourse
• Represent OAD with credibility before courts, funders, elected officials, and community partners
• Advance advocacy that reflects OAD’s commitment to challenging unjust, oppressive, and inhumane systems

• Strengthen organizational systems that support high-quality, human-centered representation and efficient operations
• Develop and implement policies, protocols, and office-wide guidance aligned with OAD’s values
• Managing data collection, reporting, and analysis to inform funding and operational decisions
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, structures, and cross-functional collaboration and implementing such improvements
• Ensure consistency, cohesion, accountability, and transparency across legal, client services, and administrative/operations functions.

• Partner with Supervising Attorneys and Directors to refine staff management practices, providing the strategic guidance necessary to meet milestones and performance goals.
• Reinforce accountability while fostering a culture of learning, curiosity, and professional growth
• Support staff wellness and retention, recognizing the demands of public defense work
• Coordinate and implement training initiatives that strengthen advocacy, agency practices and leadership skills
• Lead with respect, civility, and intention in all supervisory interactions

• Foster a culture grounded in dignity, humanity, and inclusion
• Respond thoughtfully and constructively to client, staff, and community concerns
• Cultivate strong internal collaboration and meaningful external partnerships while building trust through transparency, active listening, and open communication
• Advance OAD’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including pipeline development
• Engage effectively with stakeholders including funders, community-based organizations, advocates, and government agencies

• Identify opportunities for innovation in appellate advocacy, client services, and organizational practice
• Support initiatives that expand OAD’s impact, including pro bono and internship programs
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and organizational sustainability, including key events
• Approach changes with adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement

• Maintain and reinforce a high standard of appellate and post-conviction representation
• Ensure advocacy is rigorous, client-centered, and aligned with OAD’s mission and values

QUALIFICATIONS

• Admitted to the New York State Bar (or prompt eligibility for admission)
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant legal practice
• Deep knowledge of New York criminal law, appellate and post-conviction practice
• Experience litigating in state and federal trial and appellate courts

• Demonstrated experience in leadership, management, and supervision
• Proven success to guide teams through complex legal, organizational, and interpersonal challenges
• Exceptional judgment and decision-making skills grounded in integrity and accountability

• Demonstrated commitment to public defense and advancing justice with a deep understanding of the intersection of mental health, substance use, poverty, racial inequities, within the criminal legal system
• Experience with policy advocacy and reform
• Commitment to practicing through a lens of cultural humility, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to center client voices and lived experience in leadership and decision-making

• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders and communicate with clarity, empathy and purpose
• Experience working with pro bono counsel and external partners

• Experience working in interdisciplinary environments is strongly preferred
• Proficiency in languages other than English is a plus

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please apply here with a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (see prompt below). Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. The cover letter must address:

Writing sample prompt:

Describe a time when you had to lead through a complex organizational or personnel challenge. What was your approach, and how did you balance accountability, communication, and team dynamics?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) is one of New York City’s oldest provider of appellate representation to people who cannot afford to pay an attorney for the appeal of a criminal conviction. OAD’s core mission is to ensure full and equal access to justice by providing high-quality and client-centered representation throughout the appellate process. This approach enables our attorneys to focus on the best issues for appeal, to tell our clients’ stories effectively, and to identify and pursue other forms of advocacy that are most effective for each client’s unique circumstances. OAD is committed to developing and litigating innovative legal theories that most effectively demonstrate the injustices that our clients have experienced.

OAD is devoted to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a workforce comprised of individuals from different cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities. OAD recognizes that our clients are predominantly Black and Brown people and firmly believes that a diverse staff is important to providing this standard of representation. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to public service and to defending people who have been disadvantaged by legal and economic systems.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

A Staff Attorney in the Fellowship program will be responsible for providing timely and zealous legal representation in the trial and appellate courts while meeting goals and expectations of the Fellowship program. In the early years of the program, staff attorneys will collaborate closely with Supervising Attorneys as they read the appellate record together, conference the case to  identify issues and develop a theory of the case. A Staff Attorney also receives comprehensive support and training on all other aspects of appellate and post-conviction representation while maintaining a high-volume caseload throughout the duration of the Fellowship program.

Every staff member is expected to incorporate OAD’s core values Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration into their work and interactions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal direct appeal representation in the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals; in post-conviction motions and hearings; in hearings to determine classification level pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA); and in federal habeas corpus challenges to state court convictions.
• Extensive research and writing of appellate briefs.
• Case conferencing, strategy development, client communication, and legal visits.
• Advising clients of potential appellate options, including withdrawal of appeals where appropriate.
• When appropriate, collaborate with or make referrals to the Client Services Director and Client Services Coordinators to address prison condition issues and to assist clients with parole proceedings and re-entry preparation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admission to a state bar and in good standing, with the ability to obtain New York admission within a reasonable time.
• Up to two years of criminal defense experience, including exposure to appellate, post-conviction, or trial-level advocacy.
• Experience reviewing records and drafting motions or briefs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in appellate advocacy, legal writing, and issue development, with a willingness to engage deeply with complex legal records.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and identify legally significant issues.
• Capacity to receive, integrate, and apply feedback in a rigorous and iterative writing process.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and a high-volume caseload.
• Dedicated commitment to client-centered representation, including the ability to engage with clients with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals whose lived experiences differ from one’s own, including individuals impacted by poverty, systemic inequities, mental health challenges, and incarceration.
• Commitment to learning, professional growth, and reflective practice, including openness to supervision, mentorship, and continuous development.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and effectively to clients, colleagues, and courts.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, including contributing to a team-based approach to case development and advocacy.
• Capacity to manage the emotional and intellectual demands of public defense work with professionalism and resilience.

BENEFITS:

• Generous vacation time and 14 paid holidays, including Summer Fridays where the office closes early.
• 401(k) with a defined contribution of 3.5% from OAD regardless of participation.
• Personal, Bereavement and sick days given on the first day of employment.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision and life benefits, flexible spending, and health reimbursement account.
• Free access to the Practicing Law Institute for CLE credits and professional development.

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please apply with a cover letter, resume and writing sample here. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Your cover letter must include the following:

1. Commitment to Mission & Public Defense
   Your interest in working at the Office of the Appellate Defender and your commitment to client-centered, public defense advocacy.
2. Interest in Appellate Advocacy
   What draws you to appellate and post-conviction work, including any experiences that have shaped your interest in legal writing, issue development, or systemic advocacy

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

You are eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

************************** NO AGENCIES PLEASE ***************************

Administrative Positions

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Administration and Operations Manager serves as a member of the leadership team and reports directly to the Managing Attorney. The Administration and Operations Manager is responsible for supervising the administrative and clerical staff, overseeing the physical office space, managing vendor relationships, and building systems and practices that support an efficient, safe, and welcoming work environment for staff and guests. This role requires a leader who can independently identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement systems without requiring step-by-step direction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise administrative, operations, and clerical staff including, but not limited to, administrative assistant/translator, clerks, and other administrative personnel.
• Partner with external IT professionals to maintain and improve office technology and strategic priorities.
• Supervise and support all administrative duties in the office, which include reception, incoming and outgoing mail, and translation services that ensure smooth operation of all systems.
• Serve as the organization’s liaison/primary point of contact for all facilities/office maintenance and all building-related issues.
• Manage office supplies, maintain inventory and track correlating budget.
• Processing invoices and assisting with budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing vendors and source/vet new vendors, as needed.
• Oversee digital archival of closed and/or aged files.
• Draft, circulate, and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and office-wide policies relating to the operation of office.
• Identify opportunities for office management improvements.
• Coordinate insurance compliance for the organization – certificates of insurance, worker’s compensation, general and professional liability.
• Assign seating, prepare space, and provide equipment/supplies for new hires during onboarding.
• Liaise with OAD’s external event planner to manage, coordinate, and execute the administrative aspects of annual First Monday in October (fundraiser).
• Maintain donor records in CRM software (currently Neon One).
• Serve in a limited, as needed capacity as an executive assistant to the President and the scheduling/recording secretary for full  and executive committee board meetings.
• Ability to perform other administrative and operations tasks as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years’ experience in office management and/or a senior level operations role, preferably in a non-profit setting or legal office. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required to perform certain aspects of this role.
• Demonstrated experience with leadership and supervision of others.
• Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to keep track of and prioritize competing demands.
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Must be a driven self-starter.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong belief in the value and importance of communication with and respect for the organization’s clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and knowledge of or the ability to learn other database systems and donor software.

BENEFITS:

• Generous vacation time and 14 paid holidays, including Summer Fridays where the office closes early.
• 401(k) with a defined contribution of 3.5% from OAD regardless of participation.
• Personal, Bereavement and sick days given on the first day of employment.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision and life benefits, flexible spending, and health reimbursement account.

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please apply with a cover letter, and resume here. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses:

1. Alignment with Mission
   Your interest in working at the Office of the Appellate Defender and alignment with our mission, values, and client-centered approach.
2. Relevant Skills & Experience
   The skills and experiences that prepare you to succeed in this role.
3. Problem-Solving & Ownership
   A brief example of a time you identified an operational or organizational challenge, how you approached it, and the outcome.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

You are eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

************************** NO AGENCIES PLEASE ***************************

The Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) is one of New York City’s oldest provider of appellate representation to people who cannot afford to pay an attorney for the appeal of a criminal conviction. OAD’s core mission is to ensure full and equal access to justice by providing high-quality and client-centered representation throughout the appellate process. This approach enables our attorneys to focus on the best issues for appeal, to tell our clients’ stories effectively, and to identify and pursue other forms of advocacy that are most effective for each client’s unique circumstances. OAD is committed to developing and litigating innovative legal theories that most effectively demonstrate the injustices that our clients have experienced.

OAD is devoted to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a workforce comprised of individuals from different cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities. OAD recognizes that our clients are predominantly Black and Brown people and firmly believes that a diverse staff is important to providing this standard of representation. Every OAD staff member shares a profound commitment to public service and to defending people who have been disadvantaged by legal and economic systems.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Director of People & Culture (the “Director”) will be responsible for leading all aspects of Human Resources (“HR”) including, but not limited to, recruiting, onboarding, retention, performance management, training and development, labor relations, and all other HR strategy and operations.  The Director will also lead and promote an organizational culture that is consistent with OAD’s mission and values and collaborate with staff to maintain a workplace that is reflective of these values.  As a member of the leadership team, the Director reports to the President and Attorney-in-Charge, and ensures that OAD complies with state, federal and local laws, as well as the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) which governs the relationship between management and staff attorneys, paralegals, interns, client services coordinators and administrative staff. This role requires a leader who can address complex personnel and organizational challenges directly, exercise sound judgment, and support leadership in maintaining a culture of accountability, respect, and high performance.

The Director of People and Culture is expected to model and operationalize OAD’s core values—Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration—in all aspects of leadership, decision-making, and engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the leadership team on organizational health, workforce strategy, and complex personnel matters.
• Provide direct, candid guidance to supervisors and managers on performance management, accountability, and team dynamics.
• Support leaders in addressing performance issues promptly and effectively, ensuring alignment with OAD’s values and expectations.
• Partner with supervisors to ensure regular, meaningful feedback and performance conversations.
• Interpret and implement the organization’s collective bargaining agreements, including advising leadership on application, risk, and strategy.
• Oversee and manage the full lifecycle of employee relations matters, including investigations, discipline, and grievance processes.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate to create and maintain a culture grounded in respect, civility, accountability, and trust across the organization.
• Address behaviors that undermine workplace culture, including incivility, disengagement, or inconsistent practices.
• Develop and implement systems that reinforce a healthy, inclusive, and high-functioning work environment.
• Supervise the HR Generalist and any future HR team members.
• Lead work with insurance carriers to assess benefit plans, all aspects of the open enrollment process, in a timely manner.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR systems, policies, and standard operating procedures that support organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain and update the personnel manual to reflect current practices, legal requirements, and organizational values.
• Implement ongoing assessment of OAD’s recruitment and retention efforts, report findings, and develop action plans that foster maintaining dedicated, mission-aligned, and diverse staff throughout the organization.
• Develop, implement, and manage programs to enhance diversity initiatives, including working groups, affinity groups, and other resource groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of progressive human resources experience, including demonstrated experience leading or advising key HR functions.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.
• Experience working in or exposure to a unionized environment, strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on complex personnel, performance management, and organizational challenges.
• Proven ability to address performance issues, navigate conflict, and uphold organizational standards in a direct, fair, and consistent manner.
• Experience designing or managing performance evaluation systems, professional development frameworks, and workforce strategies.
• Strong understanding of employment law and best practices in employee relations, investigations, and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of an organization, including with leadership, supervisors, and staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify patterns, assess organizational needs, and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace grounded in respect, inclusion, and accountability, consistent with OAD’s values.

BENEFITS:

• Generous vacation time and 14 paid holidays, including Summer Fridays where the office closes early.
• 401(k) with a defined contribution of 3.5% from OAD regardless of participation.
• Personal, Bereavement and sick days given on the first day of employment.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life benefits, flexible spending, and health reimbursement account.

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please apply with a cover letter and resume here.  Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.  Applicants must submit a cover letter that (1) highlights alignment with OAD’s mission and values, and (2) demonstrates relevant skills and experience that prepare you to succeed in this role.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

You are eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

************************** NO AGENCIES PLEASE ***************************

Senior Staff Attorney Positions

The office of the Appellate Defender is currently not accepting applications for senior staff attorney.

Supervising Attorney Positions

The office of the Appellate Defender is not currently hiring for supervising attorney.

Current Law Students

The Office of the Appellate Defender is not currently accepting applications for internships or externships.