Overview

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, excessive use of force, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to education, child visitation and support, immigration, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire a Managing Attorney to work from its Albany office to set up and oversee PLS’s Disciplinary Representation Unit (DRU). The Managing Attorney will hire, establish and oversee a team to provide effective representation to individuals facing prison disciplinary sanctions within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Duties

The Disciplinary Representation is a new unit within PLS. In enacting the HALT Act (Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement), the NYS Legislature granted incarcerated New Yorkers the right to representation in prison disciplinary hearings. The DRU will be focused on fulfilling this exciting and unmet need for representation. As such, the Managing Attorney will be responsible for developing procedures and protocols for the unit and working with DOCCS officials and other PLS stakeholders to facilitate PLS’ disciplinary representation goals.

The DRU Managing Attorney must be a skilled lawyer, litigator, supervisor, administrator, and trainer. The Managing Attorney is responsible for coordinated supervision and oversight of staff in the Disciplinary Representation Unit. The Managing Attorney will be required to assist with new hire orientation and training and provide ongoing support to staff, including regular case reviews. The Managing Attorney is expected to provide ongoing guidance in prison disciplinary matters; directly oversee the caseloads of case handlers and coordination of representation goals and protocols. The Managing Attorney is also responsible for grant contract data collection and monitoring compliance; employee hiring, discipline, termination, and performance reviews; holding regular meetings with attorneys and attending case review meetings as needed.

The Managing Attorney reports to the Executive Director. In addition to supervising case handlers, the Managing Attorney is expected to handle a caseload of disciplinary representation cases in consideration of the needs of the Program and scope of the Managing Attorney’s other job responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in prison law, administrative law hearings, or another relevant legal field with demonstrated additional experience in management. The candidate must exemplify excellent interpersonal skills alongside a willingness to grow as a leader and manager. The candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and have a keen eye for detail, especially in relation to case reporting and data tracking. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not mandatory.

PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

PLS’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to careers@plsny.org with “DRU Managing Attorney” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $88,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

Albany, NY 12207: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Prisoners' Legal Services of New York

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