Assistant Counsel (Criminal Defense Representation Counsel, Region H) - VID 227969

Description

Duties Description

The Criminal Defense Representation Counsel, Region H is based in ILS’ Western New York Regional Support Center (WNY RSC) in Buffalo. The WNY RSC addresses the compelling need for ILS to provide state expertise for WNY county 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) are implemented as effectively and as efficiently as possible. This position works directly with county based criminal public defense providers including Public Defender Offices, Conflict Defender Offices, legal aid societies and Assigned Counsel Programs. This position does not engage in direct representation of clients.
  
  

The Criminal Defense Representation Counsel, Region H is responsible for the effective implementation of Executive Law

• 832(4)(a) (counsel at arraignment),
• 832(4)(b) (caseload relief), and
• 832(4)(c) (initiatives to improve quality), as well as monitoring implementation and efficacy of these reforms in Region H which consists of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. This position reports to the Attorney in Charge of the Western New York Regional Support Center, who works under the guidance of the Criminal Defense Representation Chief.
  
  

Specific Duties Include

• Under the supervision of the Attorney in Charge of WNY RSC, and in collaboration with the Criminal Defense Representation team, works toward successful implementation of the ILS reform plans within the region, meets regularly with public defense providers and county officials to monitor implementation efforts, identifies challenges to implementation, and works with county officials and public defense providers to develop creative solutions to meet the challenges.
• Consults with the public defense providers in the Region H counties and other responsible officials to identify opportunities for enhancing the quality of criminal defense representation provided under article 18-B of the County Law.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of regional initiatives to improve the quality of public criminal defense representation, including regionalizing access to specialized professional supports for criminal defense representation.
• Assists in implementing and monitoring caseload/workload standards in criminal cases for each public defense provider in the Region H counties, including representation in both trial and appellate-level cases.
• Assists in improving access to counsel in Region H, including the implementation of ILS Standards for Determining Financial Eligibility for Assigned of Counsel, quality defense representation at arraignment and continuous representation post-arraignment and monitor progress of the structures put in place to achieve this goal.
• Assists in developing and supporting independent Assigned Counsel Programs pursuant to ILS Standards for Establishing and Administering Assigned Counsel Programs.
• Assists in maximizing the use of state funding by Region H counties and public defense providers, including identifying provider needs, negotiating budgets for ILS contracts with providers and counties within the region, and trouble-shooting impediments to accessing funding.
• Works closely with the Senior Resource Support and Data Specialist and ILS’ Research Unit to ensure collection and reporting of all relevant data, and with the WNY RSC Family Court Counsel and Appellate Counsel to identify areas where quality improvement and greater efficiencies may be achieved.
• Consults and collaborates regularly with the other ILS staff to problem-solve and promote improved quality representation.
• Undertakes other activities as requested in furtherance of the Office’s overall responsibility to make efforts to improve the quality of indigent legal services representation under County Law article 18-B.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate, admission to New York State Bar, and a minimum of two years’ experience in criminal defense representation.

Preferred: An ideal candidate will have experience in public defense and/or policy development and coalition-building and demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting high quality and mission-driven public defense, a high degree of professionalism and collegiality, sound judgment, experience in collaboration and project management, and strong oral and written communication skills.

NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.

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.

Western New York 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. Enjoy skiing in Ellicottville, kayaking, boating hiking, Buffalo Bills football, Buffalo Sabres hockey, historic architecture, vibrant art galleries, great food, and close proximity to Niagara Falls and the great Canadian city of Toronto.

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.