Two-Year Paralegal Program (SDNY)

Overview

Federal Defenders of New York, Inc. (FDNY) has an opening for its Paralegal Program in our Manhattan office (Southern District of New York). This job is a unique opportunity to gain substantive exposure to criminal law and direct service work prior to law school or graduate studies. The position is a two-year commitment. Paralegals may be given the option to extend their term of employment, depending on the needs of the office.

FDNY is a nonprofit organization that provides criminal defense services to indigent persons charged with federal crimes throughout New York City, Long Island, and several counties north of New York City. We are not a government agency and our employees are not government employees.

Our mission is straightforward: although we provide our services free of cost, our clients should receive the finest legal representation available at any price. We are committed to equal justice and fight vigorously for those accused of crimes. A large part of our caseload is comprised of drug trafficking, fraud, bank robbery, immigration-related offenses, firearm possession, terrorism, and internet-related crimes including child pornography.

We value diversity and believe better legal representation occurs when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experience. For more information about our office generally, please visit our website at www.federaldefendersny.org.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Paralegals work closely with trial attorneys and their clients on every step of federal criminal cases, from arrest to acquittal or sentencing. Paralegals in the Manhattan office typically work on approximately 50 – 70 cases with the office’s 22 trial attorneys. Paralegals may also work with appeals attorneys on resentencings and motions for compassionate release.

Paralegals will develop a wide range of knowledge, skills, and abilities, ranging from administrative tasks to document review to regular direct client support. Paralegals conduct client interviews, help prepare bail packages, speak to witnesses, review evidence, retain experts, draft requests for leniency from prosecutors, and collect and review mitigation materials from clients, their families, hospitals, schools, and drug treatment programs. Paralegals are expected to successfully manage several deadlines at once.

Paralegals also travel beyond the office. They regularly go to the courthouse for court appearances, to the visiting rooms of federal jails to meet with clients, and into the field to assist with investigations. They have the extraordinary opportunity to sit at counsel table at trials and hearings on a regular basis. A crucial aspect of the position is collaboration with multiple members of our office including attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates are committed to the FDNY mission. They are self-directed learners who demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and time management and organizational skills. We are looking for candidates who can work independently and in collaboration with others, and who possess strong communication skills and interpersonal sensitivity. Familiarity with legal terminology and practices or working one-on-one with clients are desirable but not required. Fluency in Spanish or other languages is highly desirable but not required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or higher (awarded no later than June 2025)
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• New York City area residence (by start of employment)
• Covid-19 vaccination (by start of employment)
• Desire to gain substantive exposure to criminal law and direct service work

Ability to regularly work 40+ hours per week, 9am – 5pm EST, including some nights and weekends (eligible for overtime pay)

Additional Information

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with 1199 SEIU. Salary and benefits are consistent with the CBA. We are an equal opportunity employer and are actively engaged in creating and maintaining a work environment characterized by diversity, equity, and inclusion.