Description
The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is launching a Western New York Regional Support Center in Buffalo. The ILS Western New York Regional Support Center (WNY RSC) addresses the compelling need for ILS to provide state expertise to local governments and providers of public defense services and to assure that the reforms initiated by the Hurrell-Harring settlement and its extension statewide under Executive Law § 832(4) will be implemented as effectively and as efficiently as possible in western New York counties.
The Appellate Counsel reports to the Attorney in Charge/Director of Western New York Regional Support Center and is responsible for the effective implementation of Executive Law § 832 (4)(b) (caseload relief) and § 832(4)(c) (initiatives to improve quality) with respect to appellate cases.
Specific duties include:
• To achieve the mission of improved quality public defense representation facilitates development and implementation of regional initiatives, particularly in the area of appellate practice and access to and utilization of appellate expertise in trial level cases
• Under the supervision of the Attorney-in-Charge, works towards successful implementation of the ILS reform plans within the region, identifies challenges to implementation, and works collaboratively with county officials and providers of mandated representation to develop creative solutions to meet the challenges
• Assists in maximizing the use of state funding by all public defense providers and counties within the region, including negotiating budgets for ILS contracts with providers and counties within the region
• Provides consultation to public defense attorneys upon request in both appellate cases as well as issue preservation and legal research for trial level cases
• Works closely with the Resource Support and Data Specialist to promote access to non-attorney professional support services and to ensure collection and reporting of all relevant data, and with Criminal Defense Counsel and Family Court Counsel to identify areas where quality improvement and greater efficiencies may be achieved
• Consults regularly with the ILS Director of Quality Enhancement for Appellate and Post-Conviction Representation and Statewide Appellate Support Center staff
Additional Comments:
The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to New Yorkers facing criminal charges or family litigation who cannot afford counsel. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society.
ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history.
We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:
• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Health Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Advantage Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System
• Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS’s policies, subject to supervisor approval.
The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there’s much to enjoy and explore.
Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov/publicservice.
The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at DEEO@OGS.NY.Gov.
*Please note, this position may be temporary pending final approval from the Civil Service Commission. Any potential appointment will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and the employment relationship can be altered at any time by either party.
Please submit a cover letter along with a clear and concise resume detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics and indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.
