Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Bronx, NY

Public Interest

Bronx, NY

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Bronx, NY

Attorney

3-10 yrs required

No

Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney, Lateral – Join a Passionate Team at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***.

Are you a passionate and experienced attorney committed to public defense? **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***., a progressive and innovative indigent defense office in the South Bronx, is seeking a Staff Attorney to join their Criminal Defense Practice. This is an opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people they defend.

About **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***.

**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system. Their staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators. Through this integrated team-based structure, they provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. They also engage in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing to push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels.

The Criminal Defense Practice

The Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. consists of over 150 attorneys, investigators, social workers, practice associates, and administrators who provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to people in the Bronx facing police and criminal legal system involvement. Their client-centered approach involves gaining a deeper understanding of their clients' circumstances and priorities to strategically raise personalized, persuasive arguments in mitigation, negotiations, and litigation.

Responsibilities:

- Engage in intensive client interviewing, counseling, research, writing, oral advocacy, and negotiations as part of legal representation.
- Zealously advocate for individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Bronx Criminal Court from arraignment through disposition or trial.
- Provide comprehensive, team-based representation collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to avoid or mitigate any further legal system involvement or civil consequences.
- Effectively litigate, confidently negotiate, and skillfully advocate for clients with judges, prosecutors, and other actors within the systems they are navigating.
- Regularly work arraignment shifts, including on nights and weekends.
- Assist colleagues with representation of clients.
- Co-counsel cases in other venues like Family Court, Civil Court, and Administrative Hearings, as necessary and desired.
- Participate in holistic advocacy within the practice and in the office.
- Participate in internal working groups to develop best practices across referral relationships.
- Participate in trainings within the office as well as external community events, conferences, and webinars.

Qualifications:

- At least 3 years of experience in Criminal Law.
- Membership in good standing or eligibility for prompt admission to the New York Bar.
- Commitment to directly defending people charged with criminal offenses in the Bronx community.
- Commitment to challenging systemic injustice and carceral systems.
- Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities.
- Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
- Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.
- Commitment to fierce advocacy and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of clients.
- Effective research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.
- Strong analytical skills and capacity to employ non-legal resources in cases.
- Ability to multitask, maintain order, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to think critically and creatively under pressure, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly.
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality around sensitive issues.
- Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level.

Compensation and Benefits:

- Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 3-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $86,400-$111,240.
- Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy.
- Approximately 70% of **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***.' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.
- This position is exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.

Application Process:

- To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document. If you would prefer to send in a video or audio statement in lieu of a cover letter, you may upload your resume and separately upload a video or audio statement.
- Your cover letter or video/audio statement should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like us to consider. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience, and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume. Your cover letter may be up to one page if written or up to 3 minutes if an audio/video statement.
- If selected for the position, your resume will be used to determine your salary based on the number of years of directly relevant professional experience listed; we therefore encourage you to ensure your resume is up to date.
- Please note that applications without a written cover letter or audio/video statement will not be considered.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please contact the Recruiting & Hiring Team via email at **** with any questions regarding the position.

**MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. is an equal