Redefining Advocacy.
CAL’s core mission is, and always has been, to identify errors that contributed to our clients’ convictions and to secure relief for them on appeal through unparalleled advocacy. It is our daily struggle to earn each client a respected place and respectful hearing in the quest for equal justice. But in our clients’ complex lives, we also see opportunities for service beyond the crucial matter of the appeal.
Read more about our mission
Redefining Advocacy.
Impact Litigation.
Nimble and practical, CAL quickly seizes on opportunities to improve the circumstances of large numbers of individuals caught up in the legal system. In the areas of post-release supervision and drug law reform resentencing, CAL led the way in developing winning legal theories that ultimately led to broad-based ameliorative relief benefitting hundreds of individuals.
Read more about impact litigation
Impact Litigation.
Justice First.
The Justice First project is one of CAL’s proudest achievements. Recognizing that sometimes an appeal simply can’t root out and remedy a miscarriage of justice that results in a wrongful conviction, CAL created Justice First. Justice First carefully screens cases for intensive re-investigation and collateral attack back in the trial courts. But Justice First is only one of CAL's special projects.
Read more about our special projects and how they help our clients
Justice First.
Small Victories.
Broken eyeglasses. For an incarcerated client, broken eyeglasses may spell the difference between managing the rigors of prison life, and not. Reading, following mandated directives, participating in programming — all may suffer from impaired vision. That’s why helping a client secure a new pair of eyeglasses is a task CAL readily undertakes and a small victory we celebrate.
Read more about how CAL supports its clients before and after the appeal
Small Victories.
arrow

CAL 101

The Center for Appellate Litigation is a not-for-profit law firm representing clients assigned to it by the Appellate Division, First Department, in appeals and post-conviction proceedings in Manhattan and the Bronx. CAL distinguishes itself through its passionate and creative advocacy, and its highly experienced attorneys.

arrow

CAL IN THE COURTS

First Department Favorably Rules on DLRA Eligibility for Applicants with Subsequent Convictions
More >

Client's Conviction Reduced from Felony to Misdemeanor
More >

arrow

FOR CLIENTS & FAMILIES

When it comes to helping a friend or loved one in prison, the more you know about the system the better. Knowledge is power. Click here to get quick access to valuable information, downloads and links.