Paralegal (Client Advocate) - Prison Based Services

Appellate Advocates is a nonprofit public defender organization, based in New York City, providing high-quality representation of individuals who have been convicted of crimes in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island and cannot afford private lawyers. We are a group of attorneys from diverse backgrounds who are experienced in criminal law and believe in fighting for every person’s constitutional right to a fair trial and in working to overturn unjust convictions and sentences and provide other post-conviction services.

Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. To this end, we seek to:

• Hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system;
• Ensure a workplace where diversity and inclusion is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged; and
• Ensure that all staff members feel welcome, respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the organization.

The Integrated Client Services team encompasses Appellate Advocates’ social work, reentry and prison-based services teams. The Paralegal-Client Advocate to be hired will be a core member of the Prison Based Services team (PBS). Coordination with Appellate Advocates’ Social Work and Re-entry Services is a key aspect of the Client Advocate’s work.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with team members including attorneys, paralegals, and social work staff to advocate for clients.
• Responsible for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action, and intervention for each case.
• Maintain timely case notes and documentation in an electronic database.
• Schedule and conduct legal calls with clients to obtain information regarding advocacy needs.
• Draft letters to clients to explain advocacy steps.
• Under supervision, contact DOCCS’ staff or central office to obtain information regarding client issue and write advocacy letters to DOCCS’ facility staff and/or management and/or executive team.
• Make referrals to partner organizations for civil litigation.
• Request and analyze records.
• Attend staff meetings and weekly or bi-weekly supervision as scheduled.
• Participate in training and continuing education courses as recommended.
• Flexibility to take on additional tasks aligned with program needs and departmental goals.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and experience working with people impacted by the criminal legal system using a person-centered, non-judgmental approach preferred
• Robust knowledge of the legal system, including appellate practice.
• Knowledge of DOCCS’ protocols and processes governing all aspects of incarceration.
• Extensive knowledge of community – based advocacy and legal organizations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and people skills.
• Ability to write persuasive advocacy letters.
• Comfort navigating legal systems and prisons/jails.
• Ability to work with highly confidential and privileged information.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a holistic defense model.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate cultural humility when engaging with clients.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in case management systems and basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Bachelor’s degree or substantial relevant experience required
• We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience to apply

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience based on a collectively bargained pay scale, with a range from $64,375 to $94,701.09. Appellate Advocates offers a generous benefits package, including health and dental insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and transit account, and paid sick and vacation time.

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a single PDF to [email protected], referencing “Paralegal-Client Advocate Position” in the subject line. Applicants with disabilities may e-mail [email protected] or call Melissa Taveras, Executive Assistant, at (212) 693-0085, ext. 252, to request and arrange for accommodations for submitting an application.

Appellate Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Appellate Advocates is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, and seeks to hire staff that reflect the full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic identities of the communities we represent, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system. We strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Pay: $64,375.00 - $94,701.09 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person