Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Bronx, NY

Public Interest

Bronx, NY

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Bronx, NY

Attorney

3-5 yrs required

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney, Decarceration Project (Citywide)

Job Responsibilities:

Case Consulting & Strategic Litigation
- Challenge adverse pretrial detention decisions using writs of habeas corpus, appeals, and other strategic litigation and advocacy.
- Anticipate and respond to novel legal issues relevant to pretrial detention.
- Identify and develop potentially precedent-setting cases with an eye towards the Court of Appeals.
- Work with colleagues in the Special Litigation Unit to identify the need for strategic litigation.

Systemic Advocacy
- Monitor changes in NYC related to pretrial advocacy and work with colleagues in the Policy Unit to identify need for systemic advocacy.
- Inform discussions with system stakeholders regarding pretrial detention issues.
- Timely collect data to inform priorities and fulfill reporting requirements to funders.

Training & Attorney Development
- Conduct trainings on the law and practice relevant to pretrial advocacy in the assigned borough.
- Develop and update advisories, model templates, and resource guides that elevate the borough’s release advocacy practice.

Professional Development and Other Duties
- Participate in continuous professional development.
- Stay abreast of changes in the law relevant to bail and pretrial detention.
- Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:

Required Qualifications:
- Admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
- Minimum of five years of legal experience, including at least 3 years in felony trial level defense.
- Comprehensive understanding of New York’s bail statute and the constitutional law pertaining to pretrial detention.
- Experience with and passion for litigating issues involving pretrial detention.
- Recognition of the various institutional and societal barriers to pretrial release.
- Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
- Enthusiasm for innovative approaches to release advocacy and the ongoing growth and development of the project.
- Familiarity with habeas law.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in trial litigation.
- State or Federal level appellate litigation experience.
- Familiarity with extradition law.
- Experience in policy development, coalition work, and legislative advocacy.
- Litigation experience implicating constitutional or civil rights issues.

Salary Information:

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range expected for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range: $83,844 - $147,907

The organization offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance.

Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness:
The organization is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice.

Work Authorization:
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. The organization is currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. For citizens of Canada and Mexico, the organization will provide a letter documenting employment status needed to obtain a TN visa.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, the organization prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants based on various characteristics protected by law.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The organization is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. Every member of the community is expected to continuously learn about identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in efforts to dismantle bias in all forms.