Staff Attorney Womens Pretrial Initiative

The Legal Aid Society; Buxton (ND); On-site; USD 83,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate attorney to join a specialized team dedicated to securing the release of women detained pretrial. This role involves advocating for marginalized women, collaborating with community organizations, and addressing the challenges they face in the legal system. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of criminal trial practice and a commitment to the abolitionist mission. Join a dynamic team making a significant impact in the lives of women and their families, while also benefiting from a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Leave

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in criminal defense.
• Strong commitment to the Decarceration Project’s abolitionist mission.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with project social workers to advocate for the release of detained women.
• Challenge adverse bail decisions through hearings and appeals.

Skills

Criminal Defense

Litigation

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Trauma-Informed Practice

Policy Development

Coalition Work

Advocacy Skills

Time Management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Admission to the New York State Bar

Job description

Job Description

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice is seeking an attorney to join the Women’s Pretrial Release Initiative (“WPRI”), a specialized team within the Decarceration Project.

WPRI is devoted to securing the release of women detained pretrial in New York City and connecting them to gender-specific alternatives to incarceration. They collaborate with community organizations to support detained women from detention through community reentry to case resolution, addressing challenges that hinder their stability and engagement with the legal process.

The initiative offers early intervention trial and appellate bail advocacy, structured social services, and comprehensive support including mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other community resources. Their work aims to keep women out of jail and with their families and communities.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of criminal trial practice in New York City, extensive knowledge of New York’s bail statutes, and substantial on-the-ground experience in NYC criminal courts. A demonstrated commitment to the liberation of incarcerated individuals is essential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Work closely with project social workers to complete service plans and bail packages advocating for the release of detained women.
2. Challenge adverse bail decisions through bail review hearings, writs of habeas corpus, appeals, and strategic litigation.
3. Engage in post-release advocacy with various alternative-to-incarceration service providers.
4. Conduct trainings and outreach on women’s pretrial detention and care coordination for CDP attorneys.
5. Inform discussions with system stakeholders about issues facing incarcerated women.
6. Collect data to inform strategic litigation and fulfill reporting requirements to funders.
7. Represent the Legal Aid Society in coalitions and develop relationships with partners.
8. Consult with trial attorneys regarding release options for cis and trans women.
9. Strengthen existing partnerships and develop new collaborations with service providers.
10. Stay updated on legal changes related to bail and pretrial detention.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in criminal defense
• Experience in juvenile or adolescent defense preferred
• Appellate litigation experience at the state or federal level preferred
• Experience in policy development, coalition work, and legislative advocacy preferred
• Litigation experience involving constitutional or civil rights issues preferred
• Knowledge of detention systems preferred
• Comprehensive understanding of New York’s bail laws and constitutional law regarding pretrial detention
• Strong commitment to the Decarceration Project’s abolitionist mission
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with attorneys, social workers, judges, prosecutors, and correctional staff
• Passion for working with marginalized women and their families involved in the criminal legal system
• Trauma-informed practice experience for clients with disabilities, mental health issues, or substance use histories
• Outstanding written and oral advocacy skills
• Effective task prioritization and time management skills
• Professional interface with judicial and law enforcement personnel
• Enthusiasm for innovative release advocacy approaches and project growth

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please submit a single combined PDF with your Cover Letter and Resume via the LAS Recruitment Portal.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY

Salary range: $83,844 to $147,907, depending on qualifications and union salary steps.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid leave, disability, life insurance, and more. Salary details are provided upon offer. Visit our Careers page for additional information.

HIGHER EDUCATION AND LOAN FORGIVENESS

The Legal Aid Society qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and offers assistance for New York residents with student loans. Learn more at studentaid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are dedicated to a work culture of advocacy, respect, diversity, and client-centered defense, aiming to meet clients' diverse needs through professional excellence.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and other protected characteristics.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; we do not sponsor visas, except for Canadian and Mexican citizens for TN visas.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online through our Careers Page. For questions, contact [e-mail].