Legal Policy Advisor, New York Legal Policy

THE OPPORTUNITY

Led by the New York Legal Policy Team court practitioners, clinical staff, and research and policy experts focused on developing and implementing critical operational and policy reforms and improving coordination between justice system stakeholders the Center for Justice Innovation is launching two transformative initiatives to improve case processing efficiency in criminal cases and to reduce the jail population, all while improving the public safety impact of the criminal legal system.

The Center is seeking two experienced New York City court practitioners to develop and implement a wide range of court reforms through stakeholder engagement and interagency coordination.

Reporting to the Director of New York Legal Policy, the Legal Policy Advisor, New York Legal Policy will support the New York Legal Policy Team’s policy projects in New York City and State.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Assist with the implementation of a major citywide project to reduce pretrial case delays in close collaboration with the New York State Unified Court System and all New York City criminal justice system stakeholders;
• Engage with stakeholders to identify roadblocks and propose solutions to delays in the efficient and fair resolution of criminal cases;
• Advise judges, court attorneys, clerks, and other court staff to operationalize case processing initiatives;
• Assist with the development of a first of its kind program to review all individuals in custody for eligibility for jail alternatives;
• Liaise with legal system stakeholders, agencies, and organizations to advance policy and operational reforms;
• Work with researchers to evaluate project initiatives;
• Prepare written materials and publications;
• Assist in expanding the Center’s work on relevant policy issues, including grant proposals and relevant activities; and
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications : The ideal candidate will have :

• J.D., and a minimum of four years of experience practicing criminal law in New York City, including experience handling serious felony cases;
• Working knowledge of the New York City criminal justice policy landscape, including relevant stakeholders and their relationships to the legal system;
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple criminal justice agencies;
• Strong writing and analytical skills; and
• Intergovernmental affairs and / or policy experience preferred.

Position Type : Full-time

Location : Manhattan, NY

Compensation : The compensation range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 and is commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.

We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans.

We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.