Client Advocate - YEARS Project & Clemency Advocacy

ABOUT US

The Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) is a leading legal services organization dedicated to providing high-quality post-conviction representation to low-income New Yorkers. We are committed to ensuring that every individual has access to fair and just legal representation in the appellate courts and in a full panoply of post-conviction litigation. Our team of dedicated attorneys, client advocates, and staff work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ rights and uphold the principles of justice. Client Advocates (CAs) play an essential role in delivering a wealth of important services to our clients. CAs work directly with clients and are typically the first point of contact.

CAL’S YEARS PROJECT AND CLEMENCY ADVOCACY

CAL’s Youth & Emergent Adult Resentencing (YEARS) Project is an innovative post-conviction advocacy initiative geared towards helping individuals who were sentenced as children and young adults to spend the rest of their lives in prison, but who have spent decades proving their capacity for change, remorse, and rehabilitation as matured adults. The YEARS Project addresses a critical gap in the criminal legal system: the continued incarceration of people whose original sentences failed to account for developmental immaturity, trauma, and the now well-established science of adolescent and young adult brain development. CAL’s Clemency Advocacy initiative advocates for sentence commutations or pardons for clients who have served long sentences and made significant strides towards rehabilitation. This CA position will work part-time with Clemency and part-time with the YEARS Project. If capacity allows, the CA will provide additional support to attorneys performing similar work outside these two projects.

POSITION OVERVIEW

All CAs are responsible for corresponding with clients via legal calls, in-person visits, and mail – typically as the first point of contact. This role also entails collaborating with attorneys, speaking with family members, and other community supporters, ordering and reviewing records; assisting with in-house tracking systems and other resources. CAs’ roles and responsibilities vary by practice and project. The YEARS Project and Clemency Advocacy position will include the following responsibilities: Serving as a primary point of contact for incarcerated clients and prospective clients. Advocating for convicted individuals impacted by the criminal legal system by navigating and communicating with correctional institutions, including DOCCS, government agencies, community organizations, family members, and other support networks. Gathering, organizing, reviewing, and maintaining case-related records, including medical, correctional, court, and other relevant documents, while ensuring accurate and up-to-date case databases and tracking systems. Making and following up on FOIL requests to DOCCS and other government agencies to obtain data supporting comparative sentence-based arguments and performing data analysis in support of sentencing arguments. Conducting research and fact-gathering to support client advocacy. Assisting in the preparation of letters of support through outreach, witness interviewing and letter drafting; organizing and digesting records for attorney and mitigation specialist review; and conducting policy and social science research. Utilizing databases, public records, and investigative tools to locate witnesses and obtain information relevant to client representation and advocacy. Supporting YEARS Project growth and sustainability through activities such as resource development, grant research, community outreach, fundraising support, and relationship-building with external partners. Performing other duties as assigned in support of the mission and objectives of the YEARS Project and Clemency Advocacy. Assisting in corresponding with clients and gathering records to support client representation as needed for other projects, programs, and attorneys at CAL and subject to primary responsibilities for YEARS and Clemency Advocacy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma/GED with at least 2-4 years of relevant experience working with people from marginalized communities, and/or people who have been involved in the youth justice or criminal legal systems, or equivalent lived experience in a related area. A commitment to and passion for working with and on behalf of individuals who have been convicted of crimes, some of whom are facing immigration consequences. Willingness and ability to travel to correctional facilities throughout New York State, including prisons and jails, and to work directly with incarcerated individuals. Experience working with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals and correctional staff is preferred. Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal. Computer proficiency required. Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, and Westlaw is preferred but not required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn and effectively utilize these and similar technologies. Working with data and organizing spreadsheets around the data and subsets of data is also preferred. Ability to think creatively and strategically, manage a dynamic caseload, and be a team player. Demonstrated understanding of the ways in which the criminal legal system and other governmental institutions can disproportionately impact marginalized and historically underserved communities, including communities of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, people who are undocumented, and people experiencing poverty. An ability to remain calm, professional, and effective when working with clients experiencing crisis, trauma, or other highly stressful circumstances. Lived experience with incarceration, the youth justice system, or the criminal legal system—either personally or through close family or community connections—is highly valued. Candidates with such experience are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

The position is based at CAL’s New York City office. CAL has a hybrid remote office policy and CAs are permitted to work remotely 8-12 days per month.

SALARY

Salary for applicants with a bachelor’s degree will be based on experience and will range from $61,710 for new college graduates up to $69,072 for such applicants with three years of experience.

ANTICIPATED START DATE

The position is anticipated to begin August 3, 2026. The ideal applicant will remain in the CA position for at least two years.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At CAL, we embrace and value our staff’s diversity, recognizing that our differences strengthen our community and advance our mission. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply. CAL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, reproductive health decision-making, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status where protected by law, arrest or conviction record where protected by law, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.