Attorney Fellow - Fellowship Proposal Invitation - Fall 2027 - New York, NY

Overview Attorney Fellow - Fellowship Proposal Invitation - Fall 2027 (Job #26-58) – New York, New York, United States. Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed: Jun 30, 2026. Job Description The Legal Aid Society, the nation’s oldest and largest social justice legal services organization, is seeking dedicated Fellows in the Criminal Defense Practice. For more information about how our attorneys and legal professionals enhance family and community stability and security, visit our website at Criteria for eligibility is listed below. The Criminal Defense Practice spans court advocacy and community engagement. As the primary public defender in New York City, staff protect the rights of the most marginalized and disenfranchised in society, while pursuing systemic reform through law reform units, trial and post-conviction work, and interdisciplinary units such as Digital Forensics, DNA, Immigrant Justice, and LGBTQ+ Unit involvement. Proposals For 2027, we are seeking proposals for the Criminal Defense Practice’s law reform units, postconviction units, the DNA Unit, and/or the LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Unit by June 30, 2026. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Assist DNA Unit attorneys to present trial defenses centered on uncertainties and limitations in forensic evidence and develop a strategic litigation approach to increase defense access to this material as Brady material (SLU and DNA Unit). Support challenges to the marginalization of people with psychiatric disabilities, including strategies to address systemic deficiencies in mental health services, community-based services, and housing for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system. Improve outcomes for transgender people in New York’s criminal legal system, from policing to incarceration (SLU/PRP and LGBTQ+ Unit). Parole litigation and other advocacy for reforms regarding release from prison (Post-conviction). Litigating racial justice in post-conviction work (Post-conviction). ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The fellow will play an integral role in The Legal Aid Society. Responsibilities will depend on the project but may include: Bringing impact litigation and conducting related policy advocacy in their law reform unit. Active participation in their law reform unit’s impact litigation and advocacy agenda. Bringing litigation and conducting advocacy in their post-conviction unit. Active participation in their post-conviction unit’s litigation and advocacy agenda. QUALIFICATIONS Required qualifications: 3L law students, judicial law clerks, and other recent law graduates eligible for fellowship funding. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent legal research, analysis, and listening skills. Ability to effectively navigate client/community concerns and communicate legal issues. Ability to manage time and multiple tasks and deadlines. Demonstrated commitment to low-income BIPOC communities. Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required. Applicants will be notified via email about whether they have been selected for an interview. Preferred qualifications: Additional experience that is preferred. Insert additional knowledge, experience, or proficiencies that are preferred. SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and applicable union salary steps. Salary Range: $84,000 The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, life insurance, and more. Additional details about benefits are available online. Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). New York residents may be eligible for state loan repayment assistance depending on years of practice. Learn more at studentaid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs. WORK AUTHORIZATION All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship. We do not sponsor visas or permits. Citizens of Canada and Mexico may receive a TN visa support letter from LAS. HOW TO APPLY All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit a single PDF with the following documents: Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript Fellowship Proposal For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. The organization prohibits discriminatory actions based on race, color, religion or creed, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, and other protected characteristics by law. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. Every member of our community is expected to learn about identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in dismantling bias in all forms. Location Manhattan - Criminal Defense Practice Office #J-18808-Ljbffr The Legal Aid Society