Assistant Public Defender

Office of the Appellate Defender; Town of Canton (NY); On-site; USD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

New York State Retirement System

Paid vacation and holidays

Union representation

Job summary

St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office in Canton, New York, seeks an Assistant Public Defender to join a mixed Family Court and Criminal Defense practice.

The position offers immediate courtroom experience, close mentorship, and the chance to make a lasting impact on indigent clients. The role provides broad litigation exposure across Family Court and criminal matters, with mentorship and training to support new attorneys.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice in New York State, or pending admission to the New York State Bar.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Interest in litigation and courtroom practice.
• Commitment to serving indigent clients.
• No prior experience is required. We provide training, mentorship, and support to help new attorneys succeed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings and trials.
• Negotiate resolutions and participate in settlement conferences.
• Draft motions and legal memoranda.
• Conduct legal research.
• Meet regularly with clients and provide compassionate, client-centered representation.

Skills

Advocacy

Litigation interest

Indigent defense commitment

Job description

Assistant Public Defender

St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office
Canton, New York

Starting Salary: $83,587–$103,316

• Health and dental insurance
• New York State Retirement System
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Union representation

Make a Difference From Day One

The St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office is seeking an attorney to join our team as an Assistant Public Defender. Whether you are a newly admitted attorney or an experienced advocate looking for meaningful work, this position offers immediate courtroom experience, close mentorship, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of your clients.

This is a unique mixed practice that combines Family Court and Criminal Defense, providing broad litigation experience and the opportunity to develop strong trial advocacy skills, Client contact and

What You'll Do

Family Court

Represent clients in matters including:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child abuse and neglect (Article 10)
• Termination of parental rights and permanent neglect proceedings
• Family offense proceedings
• Paternity
• Child support violations

Criminal Defense

Represent clients charged with:

• Violations
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies, primarily in local justice courts

Across both practice areas, attorneys:

• Conduct hearings and trials
• Negotiate resolutions and participate in settlement conferences
• Draft motions and legal memoranda
• Conduct legal research
• Meet regularly with clients and provide compassionate, client-centered representation

What We're Looking For

We welcome applicants who are passionate about public service and committed to providing high-quality legal representation.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice in New York State, or pending admission to the New York State Bar
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Interest in litigation and courtroom practice
• Commitment to serving indigent clients
• No prior experience is required. We provide training, mentorship, and support to help new attorneys succeed.

Why Join Our Office?

Our office consists of:

10 attorneys

We value collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. New attorneys gain significant courtroom experience while working alongside experienced public defenders who are committed to helping colleagues develop as advocates.

Live and Work in Northern New York

Located in Canton, New York, St. Lawrence County offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and vibrant college communities.

Canton is home to St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, and is just minutes from Potsdam, home to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. Montreal, Ottawa, Burlington, Vermont, and Lake Placid are all within a comfortable drive, offering convenient access to world-class dining, culture, and recreation.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $83,587 – $103,316, depending on qualifications

• Health and dental insurance
• Membership in the New York State Retirement System
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Additional benefits under the collective bargaining agreement
• Membership in the St. Lawrence County Indigent Defenders Union