Appellate Brief Writer

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office seeks well-qualified staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect an ability to serve the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community and pursue a safer Bronx through fair justice. The Appeals Bureau seeks a highly skilled Appellate Brief Writer to provide substantive legal research, writing, and litigation support under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney. This experienced-level position is designed for exceptional writers and critical thinkers who can analyze complex legal and factual issues and produce clear, persuasive written advocacy. Candidates from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply; legal education and New York Bar admission are not required.

Responsibilities

• Draft appellate briefs, motion responses, memoranda, and other substantive legal documents under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney.
• Assist attorneys with all aspects of filing motions and briefs, such as proofreading, cite-checking, and generating tables of contents and tables of authorities.
• Conduct legal and legislative history research using Westlaw and other resources.
• Format and prepare documents for filing in compliance with court rules and bureau guidelines.
• Maintain digital files and case tracking databases.
• Coordinate aspects of federal habeas corpus litigation, including case tracking and record preparation.
• Coordinate and manage the Appeals Bureau’s moot court schedule.
• Provide litigation support to Assistant District Attorneys in appellate, post-conviction, and related matters.
• Fulfill defense requests for exhibits.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or J.D., LL.B., LL.M., or comparable legal degree and demonstrated superior analytical and persuasive writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, well-organized, and compelling written work.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research and analyzing complex records, source materials, legal authorities, or other information.
• Exceptional attention to detail and superb organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage writing assignments, exercise sound judgment, and meet competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and legal research platforms such as Westlaw or Lexis, or demonstrated ability to develop proficiency with legal research tools quickly.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pre-tax health, dependent care, and transit spending account options.
• Annual and sick leave.
• Deferred compensation.
• Membership in the NYC Employees’ Retirement System pension plan.
• Additional employee benefits.

The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office qualifies you as a public service employee, and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program's other requirements.