Legal Policy Advisor, New York Legal Policy

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs
The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research
Researchers at the Center conduct independent evaluations, documenting how government systems work, how neighborhoods function, and how reform efforts change things. We believe in the “action research” model; accordingly, our researchers provide regular feedback on the results of the Center’s own operating programs. The Center has published studies on topics including youth in the sex trade, reentry, gun violence, and drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Our researchers have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Policy & Expert Assistance
The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area.

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%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.