New York County Defender Services is looking to hire a policy attorney to join the NYCDS Policy & Community Engagement Unit. This full-time, non-litigation position is designed for lawyer-organizers who seek to use their legal and community organizing expertise to further criminal legal system reform. The policy attorney position works under the tutelage of the Supervisor of the Policy and Community Engagement Unit.
NYCDS is a not-for-profit public defense law firm operating exclusively in the borough of Manhattan. Every year we represent thousands of indigent New Yorkers before the criminal and supreme courts. Since 1997, our team of attorneys, forensic social workers, investigators, corrections specialists and administrative staff members have represented over half a million New Yorkers with high-quality public defense.
In addition to providing direct representation, NYCDS actively pursues criminal legal system reform at the city and state level. Our legislative reform efforts include a campaign to expand and modernize treatment courts, an effort to create a meaningful pathway to exoneration for those who were wrongfully convicted; banning ICE from making warrantless arrests in our courthouses, and a continuous effort to improve the horrific conditions that our incarcerated clients face in NYC jails.
The policy attorney or senior 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 frequent travel to Albany numerous times throughout the year, as well as attendance at relevant national conferences and trainings. This position is intended for someone with at least 5 full years legal/policy experience.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Research & writing
Conduct legal and policy research and analysis related to NYCDS’ legislative and policy campaigns.
Draft written policy documents including legislation, public testimony, regulatory comments, policy papers, reports, know-your-rights guides, fact sheets, advocacy letters, op-eds, and other public education and advocacy materials.
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
Advocate with local and state policymakers.
Assist in mobilizing and organizing with impacted people and communities.
Lead statewide coalition meetings.
Organize rallies and press conferences to draw attention to policy issues.
Represent NYCDS in coalition spaces, meetings, tabling events, and public education engagements.
Communications
Draft official statements for the press on behalf of NYCDS leadership.
Identify and help to pitch stories to press.
Prep NYCDS staff and clients to speak with the press.
Draft social media and web content.
Other communications duties as assigned.
Other Duties
Provide logistical support for advocacy initiatives across NYCDS units.
Supervise and support contract lobbyists.
Experience
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 Deb Cook, Director of Human Resources, (dcook@nycds.org) the following items: (1) a copy of your resume, (2) a cover letter explaining your commitment to criminal legal system reform and any relevant policy or legal experience, and (3) a writing sample.
New York County Defender Services is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply.