Entry-Level Public Defender Trial Attorney

Yourlegalaid; 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 in New York City seeks entry-level Staff Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice across five boroughs. Candidates must have 0–3 years in criminal defense and be admitted to practice in New York or eligible for Pro Hac Vice.

Roles involve full representation from arraignment through trial, with interviews and rolling offers. Salary ranges from $86,520 to $157,075, with a comprehensive benefits package including health, vacation, disability, and life insurance.

Qualifications

• Be admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society's Practice Order.
• Knowledge of the law of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation.
• Ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor, felony, and homicide matters.
• Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation from arraignment through trial and sentencing.
• Interview clients and families, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and memoranda.
• Coordinate work by defense team members such as investigators, social workers, paralegals, and others.
• Collaborate with cross-practice colleagues to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
• File motions, briefs, and other related documents timely.

Skills

Admitted to NY State Bar

Knowledge of evidence, criminal and/or

Ethical principles and professional

Commitment to underserved communities

Collaborative work style

Job description

The Legal Aid Society in New York City seeks entry-level Staff Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice across five boroughs. Candidates must have 0–3 years in criminal defense and be admitted to practice in New York or eligible for Pro Hac Vice.

Roles involve full representation from arraignment through trial, with interviews and rolling offers. Salary ranges from $86,520 to $157,075, with a comprehensive benefits package including health, vacation, disability, and life insurance.