Entry-Level Public Defender – NYC Criminal Defense

The Legal Aid Society - New York City; New York (NY); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Disability

Life insurance

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice seeks entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices across New York City. This role is for candidates with 0-3 years of criminal defense experience, admitted to the New York State Bar or eligible to practice pro hac vice.

Staff Attorneys will provide zealous, holistic representation from arraignment through trial, handling investigations, motions, hearings, and sentencing, with opportunities for growth in a public defender setting in one of NYC's

Qualifications

• Admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society's Practice Order
• Knowledge of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles under the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and understanding racial disparities affecting client communities
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with others

Responsibilities

• Represent clients holistically on misdemeanor matters, including counseling, motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery, interviewing witnesses, advising clients of collateral consequences, and preparing hearings and trials
• Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, bail reviews, writs of habeas corpus, conferences, hearings, trials, and sentencings
• Interview clients and their families in person and virtually, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda
• Coordinate work performed by defense team members such as investigators, social workers, paralegals, and others
• Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration/civil/family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients
• File motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis
• Handle ancillary proceedings related to the criminal cases
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Oral advocacy

Team collaboration

Ethics and professional conduct

Education

New York State Bar admission or eligible to practice

Job description

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice seeks entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices across New York City. This role is for candidates with 0-3 years of criminal defense experience, admitted to the New York State Bar or eligible to practice pro hac vice.

Staff Attorneys will provide zealous, holistic representation from arraignment through trial, handling investigations, motions, hearings, and sentencing, with opportunities for growth in a public defender setting in one of NYC's