Major Crimes Staff Attorney

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 114,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Extensive paid time off

Paid parenthood leave

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Parking and transit benefits

Job summary

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney for its Criminal Defense Unit in Buffalo, NY. The role focuses on trial-level criminal defense for indigent clients across Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, and New York State Supreme Court.

On-site work at 290 Main St. is expected under the supervision of CDU leadership. Qualified candidates will be admitted to the New York Bar with a background in criminal law; salary ranges from $113,678 to $124,465 with comprehensive

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney admitted to the bar.
• Experience in criminal defense preferred.
• Ability to handle arraignments, trials, and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Appear at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Review accusatory instruments and argue for dismissal when appropriate.
• Make bail arguments at arraignment and in other courts as needed.
• Meet with clients regularly and maintain communication during pendency of cases.
• Collaborate with investigators to gather evidence and develop defense strategies.
• Prepare and conduct evidentiary hearings and trial materials.
• Research and write motions and present oral arguments at hearings.
• Coordinate with social workers to address housing, employment, and mental health needs.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Position 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.

Position 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