Paul Shechtman, a Manhattan-based partner in Bracewell LLP's white collar defense practice, has been appointed to the New York State Justice Task Force by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, the firm announced this week.

Formed in 2009 by then-Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, the task force examines the causes of wrongful convictions and recommend ways to avoid them. It was one of the first permanent task forces on wrongful convictions created in the United States, according to its website.

DiFiore recently expanded its mission to examine bail and speedy trial issues, Bracewell's statement noted.