Staff Attorney - Criminal Defense Team
About The Position
The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and team administrators. NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients.
Requirements
- License to practice law in the State of New York and/or the ability to obtain pra hac vice admission until barred in New York
- Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Northern Manhattan communities
- Must possess the high level of organizational and administrative skills required to handle a challenging caseload
- Must possess strong writing skills
Nice To Haves
- Bi-lingual (Spanish) attorneys are encouraged to apply
Responsibilities
- Provide representation with energy and enthusiasm to residents of Northern Manhattan in Manhattan's criminal courts
- Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, grand jury presentations, legal arguments, hearings and trials
- Interview clients and their families in the Harlem office or local jails, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, motions and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients
- Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, team administrators and interns)
- Work with cross-practice colleagues (family defense, immigration defense, housing defense and other civil defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients
- File motions, briefs and other related documents on a frequent and timely basis
- Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations and arguments in criminal cases
- Work frequently at NDS’ main office in Central Harlem when not in Court
- Ability to collaborate with and provide mentorship to less experienced staff
- Responsiveness and ability to communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress
Benefits
- Full medical and dental benefits
- Retirement plan with company match up to 5%
- Robust time off perks
- paid parental leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
