Staff Attorney, DNA Forensics Unit (Bronx) - Bronx, NY

The Legal Aid Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Staff Attorney for its DNA Forensics Unit. This role involves providing expert support in criminal defense cases that utilize forensic evidence, particularly DNA. The attorney will work closely with a citywide team to develop litigation strategies and provide training on advanced forensic methodologies. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and advocacy, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the field of criminal defense while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Vacation

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the New York State Bar and handle felony caseloads.
• Science background preferred with knowledge in forensics and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on DNA evidence and forensic feature comparisons.
• Draft motions and develop litigation strategies for trials.
• Train staff on DNA analysis and forensic methodologies.

Skills

Oral Advocacy

Research Skills

Writing Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Forensic Knowledge

Statistical Knowledge

Education

Admission to New York State Bar

Science Background

Job description

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Staff Attorney, DNA Forensics Unit (Bronx)

#25-51

Bronx, New York, United States

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Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed

May 28, 2025

Job Description

The Criminal Defense Practice of The Legal Aid Society has an opening for a Staff Attorney in its DNA Unit. The position is in the Bronx Trial Office.

The DNA Unit was created in 2013 to provide citywide training, support, and resources to attorneys whose clients are charged with forensic evidence, including DNA, fingerprint, ballistics, firearm, and toolmark analysis. Staff Attorneys in the DNA Unit are the Society's in-house experts in forensic science matters and provide support for Criminal Defense Practice attorneys and other defense attorneys. They maintain caseloads related to DNA evidence or other forensic feature comparison methods and provide support, including expert assistance and second-seating cases handled by other Society attorneys.

All members of this citywide unit work together to develop, implement, and coordinate Society policy and litigation strategy concerning forensic science matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide guidance and support to Society attorneys handling DNA and forensic feature comparison evidence, draft motions (e.g., oppositions to compel DNA, pretrial suppression, and Frye motions), research controlling case law, develop litigation strategies, coordinate and participate in meetings with laboratories and defense experts, assist with trial preparation, and second-seat trials where appropriate.
• Represent clients pertaining to matters where DNA evidence or other forensic feature comparison methods are involved.
• Provide in-house and external training on DNA analysis and forensic feature comparisons.
• Provide backup support for other DNA Unit attorneys.
• Keep up with novel advanced DNA technologies and forensic methodologies.
• Advocate for policy changes, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Admission to New York State Bar
• Experience handling felony caseload
• Science background preferred
• Substantial background in forensics or demonstrated aptitude and willingness to acquire such knowledge, especially in statistics
• Excellent oral advocacy, research, and writing skills
• Excellent ability to train staff
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a citywide team

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $83,844 - $147,907. The Legal Aid Society offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance. Click here to read more about benefits.

The position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other loan repayment programs. For more info, visit studentaid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. We cannot sponsor visas, except for Canadian and Mexican citizens with TN visas.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via our career portal. Submit a single PDF with your Cover Letter and Resume. For questions, email [e-mail].

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other protected characteristics. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expect all community members to participate in efforts to dismantle bias.