Staff Attorney – Newburgh, NY

Staff Attorney Position – Newburgh, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for the position of a Staff Attorney focusing on conditions of confinement for the PLS Newburgh Office.

 

About PLS

 

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 has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.  PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation on behalf of incarcerated New Yorkers primarily in cases involving claims of deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, treatment of juveniles and veterans, child visitation and support, excessive use of force, and sentence computation issues. The PLS Immigration Unit also represents immigrants facing deportation and assists in other matters for detained immigrants.  Additionally, the Newburgh office assists individuals facing legal barriers upon re-entry to the community through our Pre-Release and Re-Entry Project.  

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking to hire attorneys who are committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.  Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York State or have recently taken the N.Y. State Bar exam. The ideal applicants will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, New York State family law, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment.  Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Conduct thorough legal intakes with clients in need
  • Represent diverse clients in various and dynamic legal areas
  • Litigate and conduct trials when necessary
  • Investigate facts through interviews and document collection
  • Advocate zealously on behalf of clients
  • Prepare a variety of legal documents for own cases as well as assist other attorneys
  • Perform legal research
  • Draft and distribute various outreach materials
  • Timely data entry in client database and other outlets
  • Manage and assign tasks to volunteers as needed
  • Report to supervising attorneys on cases, legal strategies, scheduling, and other matters
  • Work closely and collaborate with PLS’ team of experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers, and receive both hands-on and formal training
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

 

 

Qualifications

 

  • J.D. degree and admission or pending admission to New York State Bar is required
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Excellent oral and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles often under time pressure
  • Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
  • Ability to collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public
  • Fluency in Spanish is preferred
  • Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to representing vulnerable populations and knowledge of the complex and systemic issues faced by our clients
  • Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma

 

Salary and Benefits

 

PLS offers a salary that is competitive with other public interest law firms in upstate New York. The current salary range for this position is $61,000 – $78,500, depending on experience. PLS 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.

 

How to Apply

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to: ypereyaslavskiy@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The positions will remain open until filled.

Immigration Staff Attorneys – Albany, Buffalo & Newburgh, NY

Immigration Staff Attorney Positions – Albany & Buffalo, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking the immediate hire of immigration attorneys in its Albany, Buffalo or Newburgh offices. Attorneys will provide free legal representation to individuals incarcerated in New York State in removal proceedings in the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP), and to individuals in immigration detention at the Albany and Clinton County Jails, whose cases are calendared at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

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 has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

As part of the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP), PLS provides free legal representation to non-citizens incarcerated in New York State prison facing immigration removal proceedings under the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) and individuals in immigration detention at the Albany and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Bedford Hills, Downstate, and Ulster Immigration Courts, located inside New York State correctional facilities in upstate New York and at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

Job Description

The ideal candidate would have strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; the ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic team environment; excellent organizational skills; and a commitment to serving indigent clients convicted of crimes. Clinical or professional background in immigration and / or criminal law is preferred.

Languages

Fluency in Spanish is preferred. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in your application.

Salary and Benefits & EEO Policy

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

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three (3) references by mail or email to: Sarah Spiak, Prisoners’ Legal Services of NY, 41 State St., Suite M112, Albany, NY 12207 or to sspiak@plsny.org. Include “PLS Immigration Attorney” in the subject line along with your preference for office location. No phone calls please.

Albany Job Fair 2023

Albany Job Fair 2023

http://www.AlbanyJobFair.com
Albany Job Fair
Wednesday October 4, 2023

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Holiday Inn Express & Conference Center
400 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110
90+ Recruiters on Site


At the Albany Job Fair you will find national, regional and local companies interviewing and hiring for open positions! Many offering same day hiring, next day starting!


Send Your Resume for Distribution to all Recruiters: 

Resumes@AlbanyJobFair.com


Find your new career at The Albany Job Fair
Free Parking on Site
Located on the CDTA Bus Route #182


Apply at the Online Albany Job Fair to all recruiters:
https://albanyjobfair.com/apply-now/


Featuring: SYSCO, AMAZON, Frito-Lay, Owens Corning, CSX Transportation, Living Resources, NYS OGS, RPI, NYS Dept of Corrections, Spectrum, New York State IT Dept, Imperial Pools, Duffy’s AIS, Wadham’s, Hannaford, AFLAC, ARC Rensselaer, Sunmark, Albany Broadcasting, NYS Troopers, Niskayuna CSD, Fusco, Local 669, NY Creates, Price Chopper, Primark, Express Employment Professionals, Visiting Nurses, Conifer Park, Lia Auto Group, SPHP, Red Shift Recruiting, Attentive Care, VP Supply, Home Health Center, & 12 NYS Agencies

Legal Secretary/Paralegal – Legal Counsel and Unaccompanied Minor Program, Immigration Unit – Albany, NY

Legal Secretary/Paralegal
Legal Counsel and Unaccompanied Minor Program
Immigration Unit – Albany, NY

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 has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

As part of the Unaccompanied Children’s Program, PLS provides free legal representation to non­citizens detained at youth shelters funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, transferred to long term foster care facilities near Newburgh, New York or released from youth shelters to reside with sponsors in the Hudson Valley and who are in or facing immigration removal proceedings. Court proceedings will be primarily venued at the Buffalo Immigration Court. Proceedings to pursue guardianships and special immigrant juvenile status will be scheduled in state courts in upstate New York.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire an Unaccompanied Children Paralegal to work from its Immigration Unit, Albany office. The Unaccompanied Children Paralegal is a professional advocate for detained immigrant children who uses cultural competency, compassion, and training in immigration law to prepare children for successful client-attorney relationships and empowers them as respondents before immigration authorities. The Paralegal informs children about the immigration legal process and their rights in a child-friendly and trauma-informed manner. The Paralegal also conducts individual legal screenings to assist with referrals to pro bono counsel and provide follow-up services and specialized information where relevant to a child’s situation.

Responsibilities

Perform a wide range of duties including, but not limited to:

  • Answer phone calls, receive and screen visitors
  • Open mail and process intake
  • Case management system data entry
  • Open and organize files
  • Scheduling and calendaring of court hearings
  • Compose correspondence of a routine nature for attorneys
  • Prepare documents for attorney review
  • Establish and maintain record keeping and filing systems for office
  • Prepare disbursements, billing, expense vouchers and maintain financial expense records
  • Follow up with prison staff on record requests
  • Interpret phone calls and in-person interviews and translate documents for court submission
  • General office administration
  • Work cooperatively with clients, peers and supervisors
  • Collect and organize data for monthly reports
  • Work with clients or family members directly to gather information and evidence
  • Conduct non-legal research as needed
  • Research and compile country conditions articles upon attorney request

Benefits

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

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to sspiak@plsny.org. No phone calls please. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.

Staff Attorney – Albany, New York

Staff Attorney Position – Albany, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) has an opening for a staff attorney in its Albany office. PLS is a statewide program providing civil legal services to people incarcerated in New York State prisons. 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, treatment of juveniles and veterans, access to education, disability rights, and sentence computation issues. PLS also offers limited family law assistance with child support and visitation issues unique to individuals incarcerated in New York State.

 

PLS is seeking to hire an attorney who is committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged and marginalized. This is an entry level position. Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York State with up to five years’ experience, or have recently taken the NY State Bar exam. Law graduates who are planning to take the next Bar exam are also encouraged to apply. The ideal applicant will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment. We have a need for attorneys who are fluent in Spanish.

 

The starting salary range for this position is $61,000 to $71,000 depending on experience. PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. 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.

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to sheller@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.

Part-Time Paralegal for Unaccompanied Children, Immigration Unit – Newburgh, NY

Part-Time Paralegal for Unaccompanied Children, Immigration Unit – Newburgh, NY

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 has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

As part of the Unaccompanied Children’s Program, PLS provides free legal representation to non­citizens detained at youth shelters funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, transferred to long term foster care facilities near Newburgh, New York or released from youth shelters to reside with sponsors in the Hudson Valley and who are in or facing immigration removal proceedings. Court proceedings will be primarily venued at the Buffalo Immigration Court. Proceedings to pursue guardianships and special immigrant juvenile status will be scheduled in state courts in upstate New York.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire an Unaccompanied Children Paralegal to work from its Immigration Unit, Albany office. The Unaccompanied Children Paralegal is a professional advocate for detained immigrant children who uses cultural competency, compassion, and training in immigration law to prepare children for successful client-attorney relationships and empowers them as respondents before immigration authorities. The Paralegal informs children about the immigration legal process and their rights in a child-friendly and trauma-informed manner. The Paralegal also conducts individual legal screenings to assist with referrals to pro bono counsel and provide follow-up services and specialized information where relevant to a child’s situation.

Responsibilities

  • Design age-appropriate Know Your Rights training materials
  • Under attorney supervision, screen unaccompanied children in ORR custody and provide them with trauma-informed, child-friendly, and age, language, and culturally appropriate legal orientations including Know Your Rights trainings and full legal screenings for immigration relief
  • Through region-wide outreach, identify, locate, and screen unaccompanied children who have been released to reside within PLS region
  • Conduct and interpret client interviews and follow-up meetings
  • Participate in regularly scheduled calls and meetings with stakeholders and team members
  • Work closely with government agencies, school districts, and social service providers to facilitate access to education, healthcare and other services
  • Prepare budgets and grant applications, maintain databases, monitor contract requirements, prepare and submit reports that accurately capture data
  • Support attorneys for completing applications and assist in preparation of court cases and applications with users
  • Interpret for clients and/or attorneys at interviews, hearings and presentations
  • Prepare written translation of documents as needed
  • Stay apprised of current legal framework relevant to orientation and interviewing related to child respondents in immigration removal proceedings, as well as current events affecting child migration from Central America and any other region commonly affecting detention facilities in New York
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Requirements

The ideal candidate must be fluent in written and verbal Spanish and English and have a demonstrated commitment to advocating on behalf of immigrant children’s rights. Experience serving Spanish and non-Spanish speaking children from Central America preferred. Experience in trauma informed care practices and case management is required. Experience working with children and guardians in Special Immigrant Juvenile Proceedings required. Candidate must be willing to pursue and submit accreditation from EOIR. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with multiple attorneys and staff members and with people of diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds. The candidate must be energetic, friendly and responsible and have demonstrated experience working independently and under pressure. The candidate must have his/her own transportation and be willing to submit to extensive background checks. Evening and weekend availability preferred. An IU Paralegal who works with minor clients must pass the background check for working with minors that is required by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Education

This position requires at least two years of paralegal experience with an immigration defense, criminal defense or legal services organization or a bachelor’s degree in human services or legal studies.

Salary and Benefits & EEO Policy

Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a part time position, but full-time opportunities may develop depending on client population needs. PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401 (k) retirement plan. 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.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to: James Milstein, jmilstein@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Anthony Laureano – PREP Social Worker

Anthony Laureano

PREP Social Worker

(518) 898-6681

alaureano@plsny.org

Anthony received his Maters of Social Work from the University at Buffalo in 2023 and quickly joined the PREP team post-graduation. You will find him in our Buffalo office, and interestingly, he was born and raised in the city of Buffalo. Anthony has always had an interest in the intersectionality between law and society and the impact they have on each other. He utilizes a holistic approach when working with individuals he serves. Anthony also utilizes restorative practices when engaging with individuals at all levels. He believes that society has a job to restore those who caused harmed just as much as those who caused the harm. Anthony spent his undergraduate and graduate career enrichening his understanding of the legal system by completing four legal involved internships. Anthony most recently co-lead a 3-part youth diversion series that worked with youth involved in the legal system and the larger community to respond to crimes of car theft by discussing the wrongful action, explore the impact, and work towards repairing the harm in a way that leaves those impacted in better positions then when they enter the room.  Anthony solemnly believes that by taking accountability for ones actions and making actionable steps to repairing the harm done to oneself, the harmed, and the larger community, we make for a better tomorrow. During Anthony’s free time, he finds himself traveling, playing kick ball, enjoying the company of his dog, and making responsible, yet impulsive, memories that will last a life time.

Landmark Decision by US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Ensuring all protections under IDEA remain with the students after the age of 18-21

Landmark Decision by US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Ensuring all protections under IDEA remain with the students after the age of 18-21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

                                                                              Contact: Katrin Haldeman

Katrin.haldeman@drny.org

518-275-1720

 

Albany, NY August 15, 2023 – Disability Rights New York (DRNY), together with Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) received a groundbreaking decision from the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recognizing that young adults with disabilities can enforce their own special education rights.

 

JS, was a 20-year-old student who successfully challenged the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s (DOCCS) failure to provide any special education services despite federal and state mandates to do so.  Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with a disability are ensured with the right to a free appropriate public education that is tailored to their individual needs. 

 

After winning his right to education, J.S. sought attorney fees from DOCCS in accordance with the IDEA. DOCCS objected and asserted that only parents, not students, are entitled to seek fees under the IDEA even when the student is an adult. The District Court agreed and dismissed J.S.’s federal claims. 

 

On appeal, the Second Circuit reversed the District Court, finding students with disabilities age 18 to 21, can enforce their own IDEA rights. The Court made a key finding that impacts the educational rights of students.

“The IDEA expressly establishes substantive and procedural safeguards for children with disabilities, including children ages 18 to 21, inclusive, who may act as individuals responsible for their own welfare – not only to their legal parents.” 

 

Therefore, as an adult student responsible for his own welfare, J.S. is entitled to all the protections of the IDEA, including the right to challenge IDEA violations and to seek fees as a prevailing party.

 

“Prior to this court’s decision, students between the ages of 18 to 21 were not afforded the full protections of the IDEA. This decision will have a nation-wide impact. Importantly, it will reverse New York State Education Department guidance which stripped those students of their IDEA rights in New York.” Timothy A. Clune, Executive Director DRNY

 

“Education is inversely proportional to recidivism and is a major factor in successful reintegration upon release from prison. The Second Circuit’s decision will help pave the way for other 18 to 21 year-old students with disabilities to enforce their rights under the IDEA and, in turn, will have a tremendous positive impact on incarcerated youth returning to their communities” said Karen Murtagh, Executive Director of PLS.

 

Read Full Decision Here

 

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DRNY is the designated independent non-profit Protection & Advocacy System empowered by Congress to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and provide legal and non-legal advocacy services to people with disabilities in New York State. The Protection & Advocacy System was created by Congress as a direct result of the horrific conditions that were uncovered in the 1970’s at New York’s Willowbrook State School.

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DRNY is supported at tax payer expense by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, The Administration for Community Living; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and, the Social Security Administration. This press release does not represent the views, positions or policies of, or the endorsements by, any of these federal agencies.

 

PLSNY, established in 1976, is a statewide not-for-profit organization that provides civil legal services to indigent individuals incarcerated in New York State correctional facilities. PLS” mission is to provide high quality, effective legal representation and assistance to indigent prisoners’, help them to secure their civil and human rights and advocate for more humane prisons and for a more humane criminal justice system.

Emma Thorp – PREP Social Worker

Emma Thorp

PREP Social Worker

518-859-6810

Emma received her Masters of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St Louis in May of 2023 and joined Prisoner’s Legal Services immediately after graduating. She is based out of the PREP office in Brooklyn. Emma is passionate about legal advocacy and empowering individuals to make the best decisions for themselves in their situations. In graduate school, Emma spent time volunteering as an Order of Protection Advocate and as a Long Term Care Ombudsman in St Louis County. In her free time she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, painting, and going to Broadway shows.  Emma works out of PLS Brooklyn, NY office.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: NEW YORK PRISONS VIOLATE RESTRICTIONS ON PROLONGED SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: NEW YORK PRISONS VIOLATE RESTRICTIONS ON PROLONGED SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

The New York Civil Liberties Union and Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York today filed a class action lawsuit in state supreme court against New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) for illegally subjecting people to prolonged solitary confinement in violation of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT), passed in 2021. Solitary confinement is the most extreme form of punishment used in the United States outside of the death penalty and causes severe trauma, while also being linked to higher rates of recidivism and a reduction in public safety. Following decades of advocacy from the NYCLU, partner organizations, survivors of solitary confinement and their families, New York was the first state to codify the United Nations Mandela Rules into law, which restrict the use of solitary confinement to exceptional circumstances.  

 

HALT prohibits segregated confinement—solitary confinement in excess of 17 hours per day—exceeding 15 days under any circumstances, and places strict limits on solitary confinement exceeding three consecutive days, or six days in any 30-day period. Yet DOCCS is holding individuals in segregation beyond the fifteen-day maximum for a wide range of behavior that does not pose imminent risk to the facility’s security. A recent study by the Correctional Association of New York, an independent organization that monitors prison conditions, found “numerous departures from basic adherence” to HALT, in some cases resulting in individuals being placed in solitary confinement for up to six times longer than the law allows. 

 

The lawsuit names plaintiffs Fuquan Fields and Luis Garcia, representing a class of individuals currently incarcerated in New York who have been illegally subjected to solitary confinement. Fields and Garcia also represent an untold number of class members who will be placed in extended segregation in the future and be subject to the same illegal treatment.  

 

“I’ve been held in solitary confinement before, and it took a very negative toll on my mental health. It’s overwhelming,” said plaintiff Fuquan Fields. “I don’t meet the HALT criteria to be sent back there, yet DOCCS has sentenced me to another 120 days in the box.” 

 

“I was sentenced to 730 days in solitary confinement. I have so much time in there that sometimes it feels like I’m never going to get out,” said plaintiff Luis Garcia. “Under the HALT Act, DOCCS shouldn’t be treating me this way. I want DOCCS to stop acting like it is above the law.” 

 

Solitary confinement that lasts more than 15 consecutive days is recognized by the United Nations and various human rights organizations as torture. In 2016, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care issued guidance to correctional health officials explaining that long-term solitary is “inhumane, degrading treatment, and harmful to an individual’s health.” Even short-term stays can lead to permanent psychological damage and suicidal ideation. While prolonged solitary is harmful to everyone who experiences it, it is especially dangerous for certain groups, including those 21 or younger and 55 or older, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and people with mental illness. 

 

“Solitary confinement has inflicted enduring harm on generations of incarcerated New Yorkers and remains the gravest humanitarian crisis in our state’s prisons today,” said Antony Gemmell, Director of Detention Litigation at the New York Civil Liberties Union. “In enacting HALT, the Legislature took decisive steps to confront that harmful legacy, speaking with unmistakable clarity about the importance of curbing solitary confinement in New York prisons. It’s time for DOCCS to listen.” 

 

For decades, advocates have fought New York state’s reliance on the harsh punishment of solitary confinement. In 2015, the NYCLU secured a landmark settlement to overhaul solitary confinement in New York, resulting from a 2012 class-action lawsuit, Peoples v. Annucci, which challenged the policies and practices governing solitary confinement in New York State prisons. In 2014, PLS reached a ground-breaking settlement in Cookhorne v. Fischer mandating, among other things, that a juvenile’s age must be considered when imposing solitary on 16- and 17-year-olds and requiring written justification of any solitary confinement imposition for juveniles. The NYCLU’s 2012 report Boxed In: The True Cost of Extreme Isolation in New York’s Prisons, showed that state prisons doled out thousands of sentences of extreme isolation every year, with some serving terms of years or even decades in solitary. And in 2007, PLS and its partners settled Disability Advocates, Inc. v. New York State Office of Mental Health and Department of Correctional Services, which provided relief to all incarcerated people with serious mental illness who were subjected to any form of isolated confinement. 

 

“The enactment of legislation to curb the overuse of solitary confinement, known as the HALT Act, was the result of a decades-long effort by human rights advocates and reformers. It is now the law, but honoring its letter and spirit awaits action by those charged with its implementation,” said Karen Murtagh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York. “The law left in place the administrative tools needed to protect both the ‘keepers and kept’ behind prison walls. An inept and porous rollout of these reform measures certainly does not justify a rollback of these hard-fought reforms. This litigation seeks one thing and one thing only: enactment of the HALT law as written.” 

 

“The New York Legislature spoke loudly and clearly about the harms of solitary and disciplinary confinement when it passed the HALT Act. DOCCS must comply with the HALT Act. It must follow the law,” said of-counsel Alexis Karteron, Director, Rutgers Constitutional Rights Clinic

 

In addition to Gemmell, NYCLU counsel on the case includes deputy legal director Molly Biklen, legal fellows Ify Chikezie and Courtney Colwell, as well as paralegal Alanis McAlmont. PLSNY counsel includes special litigation attorney Andrew Stecker, senior supervising attorney Jim Bogin, senior staff attorney Matt McGowan, and staff attorneys Hallie Mitnick and Elise Czuchna.   

 

You can find materials on the case here: https://www.nyclu.org/en/cases/nyclu-plsny-v-doccs