Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2027
About The Position
The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice is hiring 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 practice is New York City's primary public defender and provides 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. Applications are due December 2, 2026, and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The process may include an on-campus interview as a screening, two rounds of interviews, and a reference check. Interviews and offers are scheduled or extended on a rolling basis. The role requires full holistic representation of clients in misdemeanor criminal matters, frequent court appearances and litigation, coordination with defense team members and cross-practice colleagues, and timely preparation and filing of legal documents. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, subject to the stated TN visa documentation provision for citizens of Canada and Mexico. Applications must be submitted online with a cover letter, resume, official or unofficial transcript, and writing sample.
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.
- 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, motion preparation, plea negotiations, investigations, discovery review and compliance, witness interviews, advice about collateral consequences, social work and mitigation referrals, and preparation for and conduct of hearings and trials.
- Make frequent court appearances and litigate arraignments, bail reviews and 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 take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
- New York residents may be eligible for New York State loan repayment assistance, depending on years of practice
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
