FAQs

CAL is a not-for-profit corporation of about 20 attorneys, formed in 1997 for the purpose of providing high quality appellate representation to criminal defendants who can’t afford private counsel.  We are assigned to appeals by the Appellate Division, First Department, from Manhattan and Bronx County convictions.  We accept no fees from clients and we can only represent and advise people who are assigned to us by the court.  Although we receive funding from the city, we are entirely independent in the exercise of our legal judgment and representation. 

Immediately upon being assigned to your case, our Managing Attorney’s office opens a case file, contacts you, and begins the process of assembling the minutes and documents needed to prepare a brief.  Gathering these materials can take several months, and possibly longer.  Once this “record” is substantially complete, the case is assigned to an individual attorney who will contact you and prepare the brief.  Before your case is assigned to an individual attorney, you should direct any questions to our Deputy Attorney in Charge, Elaine Friedman.  Once the case is assigned to an attorney, you and your attorney will be in regular communication.