Major Crimes Staff Attorney

Office of the Appellate Defender; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 114,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Parking/transit benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. in Buffalo, NY seeks a Staff Attorney for the Criminal Defense Unit to handle trial-level criminal defense for indigent clients. The role emphasizes a holistic, client-centered approach from arraignment through post-conviction matters and potential appeals.

The position is primarily on-site at 290 Main St. and offers comprehensive benefits, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth within a long-standing public service organization.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the New York State Bar
• Four years of experience as an attorney in the practice of trial level criminal defense

Responsibilities

• Appears at arraignment and court dates with clients
• Reviews accusatory instruments and argues for dismissal
• Prepares for and conducts evidentiary hearings and trials
• Collaborates with CDU management and social workers to address client needs

Skills

NYS Bar

Criminal defense experience

Job description

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to perform a variety of trial level activities in the area of criminal law, prominently the representation of indigent persons in the Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, New York State Supreme Court and any other court where the Criminal Defense Unit is assigned cases. Under general direction, Staff attorneys are responsible for supporting a holistic, client-centered approach to defending their clients throughout every aspect of a client’s criminal matter assigned to them. This work commences at arraignment and concludes with filing a Notice of Appeal following conviction, if applicable.

Given the nature of our work, this Staff Attorney position is expected to work primarily on-site from our office located at 290 Main St., Buffalo, NY.

Who are we?

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years. Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, employment, and immigration. Please visit our website to learn more.

Why Join Us?

Competitive Pay

Salary ranging from $113,678 to $124,465 commensurate with relevant experience. Salary range listed above assumes at least 4 years of experience practicing law after bar admittance.

Mission-Drive Culture

• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues
• Desirable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a full-time, 40-hour work week and build flexibility into your schedule within the parameters of our collective bargaining agreement.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.
• Life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which include short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Appears at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Reviews accusatory instruments and makes arguments as to dismissal.
• Makes arguments relevant to bail both at arraignment and at other times as necessary sometimes in Superior Court.
• Conducts eligibility screenings where applicable.
• Meets with and remains in touch with clients following arraignment and at regular intervals during the pendency of the case. Client meetings may take place in the office, out of the office, over electronic communication and at the Erie County Holding Center, the Erie County Correctional Facility or other correctional facilities as appropriate.
• Collaborates with internal investigators to develop effective defense strategies, gather and analyze evidence, locate and interview witnesses, and prepare comprehensive defense materials for trial
• Prepares and conducts evidentiary hearings
• Researches and writes motions and makes oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
• Collaborates with social workers and client advocates to address broader needs of clients, including housing, employment, mental health, substance use treatment, and other supportive services
• Remains in contact with co-defendant counsel as well as attorneys handling client’s other criminal matters in order to secure the best possible results.
• Retains and prepares expert witnesses as applicable.
• Prepares for and conducts both jury and non-jury trials.
• Prepares post-conviction motions (CPL 330, 440) as well as pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
• Files a Notice of Appeal, if applicable, and remains available to assist the assigned appeals attorney with all aspects of a client’s appeal.
• Maintains legible and complete client files to allow for accurate data recording.
• Utilizes case management programs provided by the Bureau as directed by management
• Provides coverage for attorneys occupied with court matters and/or those out on leave.
• Remains abreast of updates in criminal law and attends classes and seminars to bolster knowledge and improve performance.
• Meets regularly with CDU Management staff to discuss the status of cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

Req# 2026-6

Employment Standards

• Active membership in the New York State Bar; and
• Four years of experience as an attorney in the practice of trial level criminal defense with a focus on felony defense preferred; or
• A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

*Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college, university, or law school accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, the candidate must provide independent verification of equivalency.*

Additional Requirements

• Knowledge of all statutory laws related to practicing criminal law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Corrections Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Agriculture and Markets Law, Executive Law, Public Health Law and Judiciary Law; trial court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Able to 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,
• Conduct hearings and trials, manage assigned caseload; meet with and remain in contact with clients.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; and interact well with the public.
• Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.
• Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected class.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Following a review of applications, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. will only contact those applicants whose backgrounds align with the qualifications outlined above.

Req #2026-6