Assistant District Attorney-Deputy Bureau Chief (Youth Justice)

The Office of the Bronx District Attorney; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bronx County District Attorney’s Office seeks a Deputy Bureau Chief for its Youth Justice Bureau. This leadership role involves overseeing operations, guiding legal strategy, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote youth rehabilitation and public safety. The ideal candidate will have extensive legal experience and a commitment to community engagement and justice.

Benefits

Loan forgiveness options

Diversity and equal opportunity commitment

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of legal experience, including 2 in supervision.
• Admission to the NY State Bar and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Bureau operations and assist in shaping procedures.
• Manage a personal caseload of high-profile, complex youth felony cases.
• Represent the Bureau in external meetings and community events.

Skills

Legal writing

Communication

Team-building

Data analysis

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

MS Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bronx County District Attorney’s Office seeks a seasoned leader with broad experience to serve the diverse community of over 1.4 million Bronx residents and to promote a safer borough by “Pursuing Justice with Integrity.” The first-of-its-kind Youth Justice Bureau (YJB), part of the Operations and Budget Division, seeks an attorney with demonstrated litigation, programmatic, and supervisory expertise to serve as Deputy Bureau Chief. Reporting to the Bureau Chief, the Deputy will help oversee Bureau operations and assist in shaping procedures, training, case strategy, prosecution, and programming.

While reporting directly to the Bureau Chief, the Deputy Bureau Chief is expected to exercise sound judgment and operate with appropriate discretion and independence in carrying out day-to-day responsibilities, while maintaining alignment with the Bureau Chief’s directives and the mission of the Office. The Deputy Bureau Chief will work with a multidisciplinary team including Assistant District Attorneys, medical, mental health, and social services clinicians, law enforcement partners (including the NYPD and BXDA Detective Investigators), researchers, and professional staff. The Deputy will also collaborate across bureaus to identify trends related to gang activity, trafficking, and violence, and assess felony cases involving youth to ensure appropriate disposition—be it community-based programs or vigorous prosecution. Additionally, the Deputy will oversee prosecution of serious violent felonies, support training, and develop innovative initiatives to address youth-driven crime, including engaging with communities and youth-focused programs. The role also involves maintaining a personal caseload of high-profile, complex, and sensitive matters, and mentoring junior attorneys.

The ideal candidate is deeply committed to supporting victims, ensuring public safety, and promoting accountability while empowering youth through transformative programming.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Personnel Development

• Assist the Bureau Chief in managing operations, guiding ADAs, clinical staff, and administrative personnel.
• Lead case reviews and team development to align with youth justice goals and professional standards.
• Exercise judgment in personnel and workflow challenges, keeping the Bureau Chief informed.

Program Management and Policy Implementation

• Support oversight of programmatic efforts, including ATI and ISP for youth.
• Coordinate with treatment providers and resource partners to monitor engagement.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives and protocols to improve outcomes.

Case Oversight and Legal Strategy

• Ensure quality legal practices in various hearings and trials.
• Apply a youth-specific lens in case decisions, including court handling and resource allocation.
• Review legal sufficiency, support plea negotiations, and manage a personal caseload of complex youth felony cases.

Interagency Collaboration and Community Relations

• Represent the Bureau in external meetings and community events.
• Build relationships with law enforcement, schools, service providers, and courts.
• Engage stakeholders to address community concerns consistent with Office policy.

Operational and Administrative Support

• Troubleshoot operational issues and recommend workflow improvements.
• Assist in preparing reports and managing grant documentation.
• Support fundraising and grant efforts as directed.

All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational and Professional Background

• Juris Doctor and at least 7 years of legal experience, including 2 in supervision.
• Admission to the NY State Bar and in good standing.

Legal and Investigative Expertise

• Extensive experience in criminal investigations and prosecutions, especially involving violent crimes and juveniles.
• Thorough knowledge of NY Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Raise the Age law, Family Court Act, and related procedures.
• Ability to assess legal cases and guide litigation strategy.

Strategic and Programmatic Skills

• Experience managing multidisciplinary programs and applying legal discretion in youth rehabilitation.
• Background in public health, policy, or mental health preferred, with existing community networks.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and data analysis skills.
• Strong legal writing, presentation, and organizational skills; proficiency in MS Office.

Interpersonal and Leadership Attributes

• Excellent communication and team-building skills.
• Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and diversity.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and lead teams, including training others.

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship and NY residency required from first day.
• Work may include nights and weekends.

Pursuant to Public Officers Law Section 3(1), U.S. citizenship and NY residency are mandatory.

LOAN FORGIVENESS: The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program may apply. Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for details.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The City of New York is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and equal opportunity, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.