Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2027

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice seeks dedicated, passionate entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices in New York City’s five boroughs. Entry-level attorneys are defined as having 0–3 years of criminal defense experience and being admitted to practice in New York State or eligible to practice Pro Hac Vice under New York State rules. The Criminal Defense Practice is New York City’s primary public defender, providing holistic, client-centered representation to people facing misdemeanor, felony, and homicide charges. Staff Attorneys provide zealous advocacy and handle criminal defense matters from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond.

The application deadline is December 2, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews are scheduled throughout the fall, and offers are also extended on a rolling basis. The selection process may include an On Campus Interview (OCI) screening, two interview rounds, and a reference check.

Applications must be submitted online through the career portal. Applicants must combine a cover letter, resume, official or unofficial transcript, and writing sample into one PDF. Emailed applications are not accepted. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. For citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status needed to obtain a TN visa.

The Legal Aid Society describes its culture as committed to zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. It expects community members to continue learning about identity, bias, and systemic oppression and to participate in efforts to dismantle bias.

Requirements

• Be admitted to the New York State Bar or be a law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society’s Practice Order.
• Have knowledge of evidence law, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles in the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Demonstrate a commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and an understanding of racial disparities affecting client communities.
• Be able to work collegially and collaboratively with others.
• Have 0–3 years of criminal defense experience, as specified for entry-level staff attorneys.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic representation to clients in misdemeanor criminal matters, including counseling clients, preparing motions, negotiating pleas, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery and compliance, interviewing witnesses, advising on collateral consequences, referring cases for social work intervention and mitigation, and preparing for and conducting hearings and trials.
• Make frequent court appearances and litigate arraignments, bail reviews, writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences and examinations, legal arguments, hearings, trials, and sentencings.
• Interview clients and their families in person and virtually; conduct legal research; and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda.
• Coordinate work performed by defense team members, including investigators, social workers, and paralegals.
• Work with colleagues in immigration defense, civil defense, and family defense to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
• File motions, briefs, and other related documents frequently and on time.
• Handle ancillary proceedings related to criminal cases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Eligibility to participate in Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other state and federal loan forgiveness programs
• New York residents may be eligible for state loan repayment assistance, depending on years of practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed