New York County Defender Services is looking to hire a policy attorney to join the NYCDS policy team. This full-time, non-litigation position is designed for lawyer-organizers who seek to use their legal and community organizing expertise in furtherance of the movement for social justice, with a particular focus on criminal legal system reform. The policy attorney position is supervised by the Legal Director.
New York County Defender Services is the second largest public defender office in Manhattan handling thousands of cases every year. Our team of attorneys, forensic social workers, investigators, and administrative staff members have represented over 300,000 New Yorkers with high-quality, public defense.
In addition to providing direct representation, NYCDS is active in law reform advocacy aimed at shaping public policy. Current and past legislative reform efforts that we have worked on in coalition with our community partners include raising the age of criminal responsibility in New York, reforming mental health treatment courts, banning ICE from making warrantless arrests in our courthouses, discovery reform, speedy trial, and bail reform.
The policy attorney position requires strong legal research and analysis skills; an ability to draft both legal and advocacy documents quickly, accurately, and persuasively; and comfort speaking with and communicating complex legal concepts with diverse audiences.
The position is based in New York City, with some travel to Albany and national conferences expected to resume in 2022. This position is intended for someone with 2-5 years legal/policy experience, but more experienced candidates may also apply.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Research & writing
o Conduct legal and policy research and analysis related to NYCDS’ legislative and policy campaigns.
o Draft written policy documents including legislation, regulatory comments, policy papers, reports, know-your-rights guides, fact sheets, advocacy letters, op-eds, and other public education and advocacy materials.
o Develop public education materials and conduct trainings to support and prepare NYCDS staff and other community members to advance campaign goals and engage in actions.
• Coalitions & advocacy work
o Advocate with local and state policymakers.
o Assist in mobilizing and organizing with impacted people and communities.
o Facilitate and coordinate legislative reform coalitions and participate as an NYCDS representative in coalitions run by community partners.
o Represent NYCDS in coalition spaces, meetings, tabling events, and public education engagements.
• Communications
o Draft official statements for the press on behalf of NYCDS leadership.
o Identify and help to pitch stories to press.
o Prep NYCDS staff and clients to speak with the press.
o Draft social media and web content.
o Other communications duties as assigned.
• Other Duties
o Provide logistical support for advocacy initiatives across NYCDS units.
o Supervise and support contract lobbyists.
• Law degree required and admission to New York bar preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A positive attitude and the ability to maintain balance and perspective even when encountering interpersonal or strategic challenges.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and ending mass incarceration.
If you are interested in applying for the NYCDS policy attorney position, please email Legal Director Sergio De La Pava ([email protected]) and Senior Policy Attorney Andrea Nieves ([email protected]) the following items: (1) a copy of your resume, (2) a cover letter explaining your commitment to criminal legal system reform and any relevant experience, and (3) a writing sample.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
