Assistant Public Defender

Albany County Public Defenders Office; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 109,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and Rx

New York State Retirement System

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Albany County Public Defender's Office seeks two Senior-Level Assistant Public Defenders to handle complex felony cases in Albany County, NY. You will investigate, prepare, litigate, and try cases, delivering client-centered representation in a multidisciplinary environment.

The roles report to the Felony Supervisor, offer professional development, and include comprehensive benefits; PSLF eligibility, paid leave, retirement benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar or eligibility to waive into New York from another jurisdiction.
• At least seven years of experience practicing as an attorney.
• Felony criminal trial experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex felony cases through investigation, preparation, litigation and trial.
• Develop and present persuasive legal arguments and conduct legal research.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop effective defense strategies.

Skills

Felony trial experience

Strong communication

Courtroom confidence

Team collaboration

Job description

Senior-Level | Two Positions Available
Albany County, New York
Salary: $108,500-$116,000 | Open Until Filled

Put Your Trial Experience to Work Where It Matters Most

Albany County is seeking two experienced trial attorneys to join its Public Defender's Office as Senior-Level Assistant Public Defenders. These positions offer the opportunity to represent individuals facing serious felony charges, including violent felony cases, in an office committed to holistic, client-centered legal representation.

With approximately 70 staff members, the Public Defender's Office takes a multidisciplinary approach to criminal defense. Attorneys work alongside investigators, paralegals, caseworkers, mitigation professionals, and other colleagues to develop effective defense strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.

The Opportunity

Senior-Level Assistant Public Defenders manage complex felony cases through investigation, preparation, litigation, and trial. Responsibilities include developing and presenting persuasive legal arguments, conducting legal research and case analysis, and collaborating with colleagues to develop effective defense strategies.

These full-time positions report to the Office's Felony Supervisor. Attorneys benefit from professional support, continued learning opportunities, and a collaborative environment that values sound legal judgment and effective, client-centered representation.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

• Admission to the New York State Bar or eligibility to waive into New York from another jurisdiction.
• At least seven years of experience practicing as an attorney.
• Felony criminal trial experience.

Successful candidates will bring strong communication skills, confidence in the courtroom, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range is $108,500-$116,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; participation in the New York State Retirement System; generous paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and professional development opportunities. Employment may also qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with no routine on-call or weekend requirements. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary during trials.

These are in-person positions based in Albany, New York. Albany County residency is not required.

Albany County, NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.