Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney, Lateral

The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate, experienced attorney with a commitment to public defense to join our Criminal Defense Practice.

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our 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, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we defend.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We take what we learn from the people we defend and communities that we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

The Criminal Defense Practice

The Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) at The Bronx Defenders 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. Through a client-centered approach, our CDP legal teams strive to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and priorities of the people we represent. Armed with that understanding, we fight for desired outcomes by strategically raising 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 the time of arraignment through disposition or trial, as well as concurrent proceedings such as Department of Motor Vehicle refusal hearings
• Provide comprehensive, team-based representation collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and advocates to avoid or mitigate any further legal system involvement or civil consequences that may arise out of contact with the criminal legal system
• Effectively litigate, confidently negotiate and skillfully advocate for the people we represent with judges, prosecutors, and other actors within the systems our clients 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, on occasion, external community events, conferences and webinars in which BXD is participating or presenting

Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates must have:

• At least 3 years of experience in Criminal Law
• Membership in good standing or eligibility for prompt admission to the New York Bar

Applicants must demonstrate:

• 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 of lawyers and non-lawyers in our criminal, immigration, civil action and family defense practices
• Commitment to fierce advocacy, and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of the people we represent
• 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

This is an in-person position.

Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 310 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $86,400$1-11,240. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' 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.