ROLE OVERVIEW:

A Supervising Attorney at OAD is a member of the management team and reports to the Deputy Attorney-in-Charge. You will provide guidance in appellate representation and post-conviction relief to staff attorneys using appropriate leadership models, including our “double-team” model, working from case inception to completion, and engaging in formal training and mentorship. The successful candidate has a proven track record of supporting team members in advocating for clients who have been marginalized and is energized by the opportunity to leverage that knowledge and experience for OAD’s continued success and sustainability.

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:

• Providing holistic post-conviction representation to indigent persons convicted of felonies in Manhattan and the Bronx, including but not limited to:
  • Litigating direct appeals in the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals, including assisting with intake evaluation of cases;
    Advising clients as to all potential appellate options, including withdrawal of appeals, where appropriate, as well as negotiating alternative dispositions such as substituted pleas or remedies following reversal of conviction;
  • Litigating post-conviction motions and hearings challenging the lawfulness and appropriateness of convictions and sentences pursuant to Article 440 of the New York Criminal Procedure Law, as well as engaging in reinvestigation efforts as necessary;
  • Litigating hearings to determine classification level pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA);
  • Litigating, where appropriate, federal habeas corpus challenges to state court convictions; and
  • Assisting with parole proceedings and reentry preparation.
• Supervising staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and law student interns on all aspects of client representation through OAD’s “double-teaming” model, including but not limited to:
  • Development of case theory: familiarity with case records, issue conferencing, and strategy development;
  • Drafting of pleadings: editing and framing of briefs, leave applications, post-conviction motions;
  • Preparing for oral argument: mooting and issue selection; and
  • Providing guidance on the attorney-client relationship: client communication, legal visits, and issues of race, gender, mental health, and the trauma of incarceration.
• Training attorneys on staff and outside the organization, including but not limited to:
  • Regular training programs for incoming staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys on substantive, procedural, and practice-oriented criminal law topics;
  • CLE and training programs for outside defender organizations and assigned counsel;
  • Mentorship of staff attorneys in one-on-one and group settings; and
  • Providing feedback and evaluations for staff attorneys.
• Participate in office management, including but not limited to:Guide and advise supervisees regarding office-wide legal policies and best practices;
• Develop and manage a particular legal advocacy project or administrative aspect of OAD’s practice; and
• Supervision and management of caseloads for staff attorneys.
• Carry a small caseload.