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Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2025 The Legal Aid

Out Professionals, New York, New York, us, 10261


Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2025 #24-159New York, New York

Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed: December 2nd, 2024

Job Description

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice is seeking dedicated and passionate entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices in the five boroughs of New York City. Entry-level staff attorneys are defined as those that have 0-3 years of experience in criminal defense, are admitted to practice in the State of New York or can practice Pro Hac Vice pursuant to New York State rules.

The Criminal Defense Practice is the primary public defender in New York City, providing holistic, client-centered representation to people facing misdemeanor, felony, and homicide charges. Staff Attorneys will provide zealous advocacy and handle all aspects of criminal defense, from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond.

The application process will include:

On Campus Interview (OCI), if applicable, serving as a screening

Two rounds of interviews

Reference checks

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor Criminal matters, which include client counseling, preparing motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery materials and compliance, interviewing witnesses, advising clients of collateral consequences, referring cases for social work intervention and mitigation, preparing for and conducting hearings and trials.

Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, bail reviews and writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences & examinations, legal arguments, hearings & trials, and sentencings.

Interview clients and their families in person and through virtual means, conduct legal research; and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients.

Coordinate work performed by defense team members such as investigators, social workers, paralegals, and others.

Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense/civil defense/family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.

File motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis.

Handle ancillary proceedings related to the criminal cases.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Be admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society’s Practice Order.

Have knowledge of the law of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct.

A demonstrated commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and an understanding of the racial disparities affecting client communities.

The ability to work collegially and collaboratively with others.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range:

$83,844-$85,025

The leadership of The Legal Aid Society believes in attracting and retaining exceptional talent committed to serving our clients. We offer a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability and life insurance, and more. Salaries for our unionized jobs are governed by our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

HIGHER EDUCATION AND LOAN FORGIVENESS

The Legal Aid Society 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.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be completed online. We do not accept paper submissions. Please visit our Careers Page to review all current job postings and instructions on the application process.

Please submit these documents as a single combined PDF when you apply via the LAS (Legal Aid Society) Recruitment Portal:

Cover Letter

Resume

Transcript and Writing sample

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The leadership of The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived characteristics protected by law.

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