Assistant Public Defender 3rd: Public Defender (1) Full Time

Office of the Appellate Defender; Town of Warsaw (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Appellate Defender in New York is seeking a full time Assistant Public Defender. The role involves representing defendants accused of felonies and misdemeanors in various courts. Additionally, you'll handle post-conviction matters and family offense proceedings.

Ideal candidates will be graduates from an accredited Law School, with admission to the NYSBAR. Familiarity with criminal and family law is valuable. This position entails full time, in-person appearances.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited Law School.
• Admission to the NYSBAR or pending admission.
• Experience in criminal law and/or family law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent defendants in criminal and family-related cases.
• Perform legal research and analysis.
• Manage assigned caseload actively.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law expertise

Family law knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Wyoming County Public Defender’s Office is looking to hire a full time Assistant Public Defender representing defendants accused of felonies and misdemeanors in County and Justice Courts, including related post-conviction collateral matters, as well as representing petitioners and respondents in custody, visitation, neglect, child support, paternity and family offence proceedings and termination of parental rights.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited Law School or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Juris Doctorate.
2. Admission to the NYSBAR or has admission pending.
3. Experience as an attorney in criminal law and/or family law, and/or AFC preferred.
4. A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
5. Full time in-person appearances.
6. Reliable transportation and license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Knowledge of: all statutory laws related to practicing criminal law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Corrections Law, Executive Law 259-I and Judiciary Law; trial and appellate court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Abilities

• Work independently.
• Perform legal research.
• Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents in legal problems.
• Present statements of law, facts and arguments clearly, logically and forcefully, both in written and oral format.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Manage assigned caseload.
• Operate personal computer and computer applications used by the units.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.
• Communicate with and advise clients in accordance with the laws and facts.
• Interact well with the public.

Application Deadline: Position will remain posted until filled.

Issued – 02/27/2026

Notes

1. Candidates must submit a copy of transcripts showing degree area and date degree conferred with application.
2. Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, the candidate must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. Candidates will be required to pay the evaluation fee.

Notice: If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office.