legal counsel

litigation attorney

associate attorney

attorney

litigation counsel

criminal defense attorney

The Legal Aid Society

#25-197
 New York, New York, United States
 Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed
 Dec 09, 2025
 Job Description
 
The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice has an immediate opening for a Crim-Imm Staff Attorney in the Immigration Justice Team (IJT).
 
The Criminal Defense Practice is the primary public defender in New York City providing holistic, client-centered representation to people facing misdemeanor, felony, and homicide charges. The Immigrant Justice Team advises clients of the Criminal Defense Practice on the immigration consequences of criminal arrests and works to mitigate those consequences. Our clients are doubly stigmatized by intersection of the immigration and criminal-legal systems. We work to help each client understand their situation and make an informed decision among the options available to them. For many of our clients, their conversation with us will be the first immigration consult they ever have, and we see this as a unique opportunity to help them understand their immigration status and identify possible relief. We also take on a limited number of immigration cases for direct representation. While each IJT attorney is assigned to a particular borough, the members of the IJT work together in pursuit of a common goal.
 
This position will be based in the Manhattan Criminal Defense Practice office and may require evening and weekend hours.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Be part of the defense team representing non-citizen clients in criminal court. Advocate on behalf of clients in state criminal proceedings and in related matters involving the application of federal, New York State, and New York City law.
 Consult with and advise non-citizen clients and criminal defense attorneys on the potential immigration consequences of their criminal cases and seek, consistent with our 6th Amendment duty, to mitigate those consequences where possible.
 Train and educate LAS staff and community members on criminal-immigration issues and emergent trends.
 Engage in policy advocacy on behalf of clients.
 Depending on interest and availability, represent Criminal Defense Practice clients on immigration matters including removal defense and affirmative applications.
 Other duties as assigned.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Required qualifications: 
New York State Bar admission.
 Minimum of years’ experience as a criminal defense attorney, immigration attorney, or Crim-Imm Specialist attorney (or a combination of these). Applicants must have at least one year of Crim-Imm experience. Crim-Imm experience includes serving as an immigration specialist at a public defender organization or practicing removal defense with a substantive Crim-Imm component. Law school clinics, internships, and work as a Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited representative may count toward this requirement.
 Excellent research, writing, analytical, oral advocacy, and organizational skills.
 Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team and to manage challenging, varied, and complex cases.
 The ability to speak a language other than English is not required but is strongly preferred.
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
 
Salary Range: $84,000-$152,500
 
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
 
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
 
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
 
studentaid.gov
 
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
 
WORK AUTHORIZATION
 
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
 
Cover Letter
 Resume
 Writing Sample
 
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
 
The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
 
Requirements
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS
 The leadership of The Legal Aid Society believes in attracting and retaining exceptional talent committed to serving our clients. We offer a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Salaries for our unionized jobs are governed by our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Please visit our Careers page for additional information. Salary and benefits information will be available to applicants, when and if, an offer is made.
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
 The leadership of The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.
 
COVID VACCINATION INFORMATION
 
The Legal Aid Society is taking precautions and implementing safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to comply with New York City's requirements concerning Covid-19. All members of the Legal Aid community have a shared responsibility to support and comply with policies and protocols to protect the health and safety of our community. Learn more about our COVID-19 policy by visiting our website.
 
HOW TO APPLY
 All applications must be completed online. We do not accept paper submissions. Please visit our Careers Page to review all current job postings, and instructions on the application process. For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
 
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one's internal deeply-held sense of one's gender which may be the same or different from one's sex assigned at birth; one's gender identity may be male, female, neither or both, e.g., non-binary), gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one's name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not be distinctively male or female and may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
Location
 Manhattan - Criminal Defense Practice Office

Staff Attorney, Immigrant Justice Team

#25-196
 New York, New York, United States
 Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed
 Dec 09, 2025
 Job Description
 
The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice has openings in the Parole Revocation Defense Unit (PRDU) for Staff Attorneys beginning in the Fall of 2026. A PRDU Staff Attorney represents clients accused of violating their conditions of release at administrative parole revocation hearings and recognizance hearings held in the criminal and supreme courts, federal detention facilities, hospital prison wards and, where applicable, local correctional facilities throughout New York City. The Staff Attorney also appears on behalf of clients at related habeas corpus proceedings, administrative and local criminal court appeals, and other post‐conviction proceedings. The practice is fast‐paced and litigation‐intensive.
 
PRDU maintains offices at 260 East 161st and 199 Water Street but attorneys spend significant amounts of time in courtrooms in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Responsible for handling parole revocation at all stages, including recognizance hearings, preliminary hearings, calendar appearances, discovery practice, negotiations, contested hearings, administrative appeals, and post‐ conviction hearings
 Work with unit support staff, paralegals, and investigative staff to provide zealous and effective defense representation
 Partner with PRDU social work team to identify and develop mitigation for clients who have mental health and/or substance abuse issues, medical needs, or who are otherwise suitable for alternatives to incarceration
 Other duties as assigned
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Required qualifications: 
New York State Bar Admission. Those applicants who have pending applications for the NYS bar or are a law school graduate in May 2026 and have sat or are registered to sit for the July 2026 NYS bar examination, the March and/or August 2026 MPRE, and the August 2026 NYLE will be considered
 2 years of relevant experience, or more, preferred
 Strong courtroom skills
 A background in criminal and/or administrative law or prison-related litigation is particularly relevant
 Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
 
Salary Range: $84,000 - $152,500
 
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
 
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
 
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
 
studentaid.gov
 
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
 
WORK AUTHORIZATION
 
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
 
Cover Letter
 Resume
 Writing Sample
 
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
 
The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
 
Location
 Manhattan - Legal Aid Society Headquarters

Staff Attorney, Parole Revocation Defense Unit

#25-199
 New York, New York, United States
 Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed
 Dec 09, 2025
 Job Description
 
The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice has two openings for Supervising Attorneys in the Criminal Appeals Bureau (CAB) unit.
 
CAB provides legal representation for people who have been convicted of a crime and cannot afford to pay an attorney. CAB is the largest post-conviction public defender in New York City, annually serving over 1,000 people with misdemeanor and felony convictions. Through our appellate practice, CAB advocates against the unjust and illegal judgments in the criminal legal system. CAB’s model of litigation provides well-researched and rigorous legal advocacy while centering our clients and their stories in the process. Additionally, CAB’s holistic practice, in partnership with the many other units of The Legal Aid Society, addresses both the direct and the collateral consequences that profoundly impact a person after their conviction.
 
The Supervising Attorney is on the front lines providing high-quality, zealous representation to the clients of the organization. They work alongside staff attorneys to provide direct representation to clients as well as to assist the organization in creating structures and policies that better the lives of clients and the sustainability of the work of our attorneys. The Supervising Attorney is someone who wants to invest both in the substantive work of appellate representation and in the continued development, training, and mentoring of staff.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Supervision of Criminal Appellate Practice
 
Review and revise briefs in preparation for filing.
 Screen cases for potential issues to raise on appeal or in other post-conviction litigation.
 Meet with and conference cases with staff attorneys to discuss legal and strategic choices for representing clients on appeal.
 Facilitate team meetings to brainstorm case and theory development.
 Counsel and advise staff attorneys and paralegals on the practice of working with people who are incarcerated and/or on supervision.
 Carry a small caseload consisting of direct appeals, CPL Sec. 440.10 and 440.20 motions, Sex Offender Registration Hearings and Sex Offender Risk-Level Modification Petitions, clemency petitions, and other post-conviction relief.
 Participate in managing a project area by developing expertise in the subject-matter, reviewing and creating structures to support attorney work, and developing and maintaining policies, templates, and practice advisories.
 Provide training and guidance to CAB staff on related topics and serve as subject matter expert.
 Ensure internal databases are updated as necessary.
 Troubleshoot issues that arise and proactively work to identify and implement necessary process improvements.
 Engage in strategic planning to increase the efficiency of CAB and ensure that clients continue to receive the highest quality representation.
 
Team Development and Supervision
 
Provide supervision and support to staff attorneys, including regular check-ins and day-to-day support as needed.
 Lead dedicated and dynamic teams of attorneys, who—along with paralegals, social workers and other staff—represent the clients of the Criminal Appeals Bureau
 Directly mentor, train, and supervise staff to foster professional development and growth
 Schedule employee hours, assign work, approve time off and remote work schedule requests following the guidance of LAS policy and procedures.
 Attend management meetings, participate in management trainings, and utilize current employment policies, practices and guidance as provided by management and Human Resources.
 Conduct management and supervision practices that affirmatively support equity and inclusion in the workplace.
 Supervise direct reports in setting performance standards, provide routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed.
 Identify and provide training and development opportunities and ensure mandatory trainings are completed.
 
Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned
 
Participate in continuous professional development.
 Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment.
 Other duties as assigned.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Required Qualifications: 
Admitted to the New York State Bar (or ability to waive in from another jurisdiction)
 Five years or more of demonstrated commitment to public defense, social and racial justice, and equity preferred
 Significant experience in all aspects of criminal post-conviction representation
 At least five years of criminal appellate experience or equivalent post-conviction experience, with demonstrated commitment to public defense, social and racial justice, and equity
 Comprehensive knowledge of relevant New York State and federal law including evidence laws, criminal and constitutional laws, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 
Position Based Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Excellent research, brief writing, editing, and oral argument skills
 Ability to challenge others to seek innovative and creative approaches to advocacy and to encourage ongoing development by providing effective performance feedback and evaluation
 Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with all members of the staff
 Ability to work independently with personal initiative and organization
 Experience in decision-making and strategic planning on an organizational level
 
Supervision Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
Demonstrated interest and ability to provide individualized support and encouragement
 Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team of attorneys with varying experience levels
 Ability to schedule, assign, and manage work and resolve problems as needed
 Ability to manage the work including: assessment of work process and outcomes, gathering relevant information about the work, recommending alternatives, or elevate issues as needed
 Ability to clearly identify roles, responsibilities, delegate tasks and hold people accountable
 Ability to create and implement effective communication plans
 Ability to provide meaningful performance feedback for professional development including having difficult conversations and resolving sensitive employee issues
 Pursue continuous learning on forms of systemic oppression of marginalized identities and establish team norms and management practices using an equity mindset and informed by inclusive practices
 
Organizational Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers.
 Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships.
 Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect.
 Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values.
 
Physical, environment, travel, and other duties required: 
Mostly sedentary, significant time using a computer and monitor; communicating and meeting using video.
 Requires occasional or frequent physical movement to perform essential job functions which may include, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for long periods of time, accessing small spaces.
 May or will require travel within NYC, across the five-borough region.
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
 
Salary Range: $99,444 - $163,507
 
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
 
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
 
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
 
studentaid.gov
 
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
 
WORK AUTHORIZATION
 
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
 
Cover Letter
 Resume
 Writing Sample
 
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
 
The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
 
Location
 Manhattan - Legal Aid Society Headquarters

Supervising Attorney, Criminal Appeals Bureau

Neighborhood Defender Service

<div>Overview:
<div>
The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office headquartered in Harlem, providing the highest quality legal representation in criminal, civil, immigration and family courts to residents of Northern Manhattan and the Bronx who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. NDS is seeking lateral staff attorney candidates and law graduate candidates to start as soon as possible.</div><div></div><div> 
The Family Defense Practice at NDS represents parents in family policing cases (sometimes called &ldquo;child welfare&rdquo; or &ldquo;child protection&rdquo; cases) filed by the Administration for Children&rsquo;s Services (ACS) as well as related family court cases, including custody, visitation and termination of parental rights proceedings in Manhattan and The Bronx. Through our holistic approach to representation, the Family Defense Practice provides parents with the help they need&mdash;both inside and outside of court&mdash;to keep their families safe and stable. NDS is committed to advancing due process rights for parents by fighting unwarranted state intervention in their lives and advocating for related systemic change. The Staff Attorney or Law Graduate will work closely with attorney and social work supervisors, litigation assistants, team administrators, client advocates and social workers to provide vigorous representation to clients in Article 10, Termination of Parental Rights, Custody and other related cases.</div>
Responsibilities:
<ul><li>Provide excellent representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to striving for client-centered holistic advocacy throughout the case;</li><li>
Take primary responsibility, with appropriate supervisory support, of all aspects of Article 10 and related custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights and other cases including client counseling, motion practice, discovery, oral argument, settlement negotiations, and hearings and trials;</li><li>
Meet frequently in-person with clients to prepare for court proceedings;</li></ul><ul><li>
Collaborate and meet regularly with social workers, client advocates, litigation assistants and other attorneys to strategize case strategy and prepare and coordinate in- and out- of court advocacy to secure optimal outcomes on behalf of clients;</li><li>
Engage in frequent in-person and virtual court hearings and litigation, often on an emergency basis;</li><li>
Engage in formal and informal advocacy with opposing counsel and attorney(s) for children;</li><li>
Staff intake in court regularly, as assigned;</li><li>
File motions, briefs and other related court papers on a frequent, timely basis;</li><li>
Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiation and argument in Family Court;</li><li>
Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress;</li><li>
Work under high pressure in an atmosphere of frequent emergencies and tight deadlines;</li><li>
Maintain thorough and accurate records and client files by timely saving documents in NDS&rsquo;s cloud server and entering notes and other data into NDS&rsquo;s case management system;</li><li>
Collaborate with and provide mentorship to less experienced staff attorneys when appropriate and commensurate with experience; and</li><li>
Must be able to work a minimum of 14 plus hours a week in person in the Harlem or Bronx offices (as per borough assignment), court satellite offices, or in court, and more as needed in support of providing excellent representation.</li></ul> 
<div></div>
Qualifications: 
<div></div><ul><li>
J.D. degree and admission to practice law in New York State or eligible for admission;</li><li>
Demonstrated commitment to parents&rsquo; rights, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Harlem communities;</li><li>
Must be very flexible and possess a high level of organizational and administrative skills in order to manage a high caseload;</li><li>
Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills;</li><li>
Must be able to work cooperatively with NDS colleagues and opposing counsel, and problem-solve independently;</li><li>
Candidates with experience representing parents in Article 10 Abuse and Neglect proceedings or equivalent experience providing defense/direct representation are strongly encouraged to apply;</li><li>
Lived experience with the Family Policing System and other systems impacting NDS&rsquo;s clients preferred, and</li><li>
Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.</li></ul><div></div><div> 
COMPENSATION</div><div>
Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. For this position, the salary range for attorneys with 0-36 years of directly relevant experience is $82,693 - $173,110.</div><div></div><div> 
Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.</div><div></div><div> 
HOW TO APPLY</div><div>
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF through NDS&rsquo;s website at neighborhooddefender.org/careers.</div><div>
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.</div><div></div><div> 
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.</div><div></div><div> 
Don&rsquo;t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you&rsquo;re excited about this role but your experience doesn&rsquo;t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.</div><div> 
The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.</div> 
<div></div>
Min: USD $81,702.00/Yr. Max: USD $169,716.00/Yr.</div>

Staff Attorney (Family Defense Practice) - NDS Harlem

#25-200
 New York, New York, United States
 Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed
 Dec 09, 2025
 Job Description
 
The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice is seeking an experienced attorney for its Decarceration Project. The Decarceration Project is a first-of-its-kind unit that reimagines how public defenders confront pretrial detention. Through strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and early intervention, the Decarceration Project fights to ensure as many of our clients return to their communities after arrest as possible.
 
Attorneys in the Decarceration Project are Legal Aid’s in-house experts on bail and pretrial detention. They directly litigate pretrial detention matters with the potential for broader systemic impact, while also providing complex release advocacy and strategic support, drafting model papers and guides to enhance the practice of trial attorneys, and monitoring pretrial detention trends to inform broader policy and systemic litigation priorities.
 
Attorneys are assigned to a particular borough office and serve as the primary resource for litigating pretrial detention of Legal Aid’s clients in their assigned borough. When needed, Staff Attorneys assigned to a particular borough may also be called on to provide assistance and client services in other boroughs. All members of this citywide unit work together to develop, implement, and coordinate Legal Aid policy and litigation strategy concerning bail and other pretrial detention matters.
 
Candidates will have a deep understanding of criminal trial practice in New York City and robust knowledge of New York’s bail statute, with extensive on-the-ground experience in New York City criminal courts. They will have a demonstrated commitment to the liberation of incarcerated individuals.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Case Consulting & Strategic Litigation
 
Work closely with trial attorneys, social workers, and paraprofessionals in the assigned borough to advocate for the release of clients who are being detained pretrial in New York City jails.
 Challenge adverse pretrial detention decisions using writs of habeas corpus, appeals, and other strategic litigation and advocacy.
 Anticipate and respond to novel legal issues relevant to pretrial detention.
 Identify and develop potentially precedent-setting cases with an eye towards the Court of Appeals.
 Work with colleagues in the Special Litigation Unit to identify the need for strategic litigation.
 
Systemic Advocacy
 
Monitor changes in the practices of the assigned borough, and work with colleagues in the Policy Unit to identify the need for systemic advocacy.
 Inform discussions with system stakeholders regarding pre-trial detention issues.
 Timely collect data to inform priorities and to fulfill reporting requirements to funders.
 
Training & Attorney Development
 
Conduct trainings on the law and practice relevant to pretrial advocacy in the assigned borough.
 Develop advisories, model templates, and resource guides that elevate the borough's release advocacy practice.
 
Professional Development and other duties as assigned
 
Participate in continuous professional development.
 Stay abreast of changes in the law relevant to bail and pre-trial detention.
 Other duties as assigned.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Required qualifications: 
Admission to the New York State Bar
 Minimum 5 years legal experience, including at least 3 years in felony trial level defense
 
Preferred qualifications: 
Experience in juvenile or adolescent defense preferred
 State or federal level appellate litigation experience preferred
 Familiarity with extradition law preferred
 Experience in policy development, coalition work, and legislative advocacy preferred
 Litigation experience implicating constitutional or civil rights issues preferred
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
 
Salary Range: $84,000-$152,500
 
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
 
Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
 
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.
 
studentaid.gov
 
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
 
WORK AUTHORIZATION
 
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
 
Cover Letter
 Resume
 
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
 
The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.
 
Location
 Citywide

Staff Attorney, Decarceration Project

J. Katz & Partners, Inc

<div>
 
 
 Job Description
 
 
 
 Our client, a highly respected litigation defense firm, is seeking a skilled and motivated
 
 Litigation Attorney
 
 to join its defense team. In this role, you will represent individuals, businesses, and organizations in civil litigation matters, defending against personal injury and negligence claims. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with experience in defense litigation to manage a diverse caseload and provide strategic legal representation to clients.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Key Responsibilities:
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Represent clients in all phases of civil litigation, including initial case assessment, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
 </li>
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 Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and other court filings.
 </li>
 <li>
 Handle discovery processes, including depositions, interrogatories, and document production.
 </li>
 <li>
 Provide strategic advice to clients regarding case strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes.
 </li>
 <li>
 Negotiate settlements and manage alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation and arbitration.
 </li>
 <li>
 Prepare clients and witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial appearances.
 </li>
 <li>
 Attend court hearings, pre-trial conferences, and trials as needed.
 </li>
 <li>
 Collaborate with other attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure comprehensive case management.
 </li>
 <li>
 Maintain compliance with ethical and professional standards of legal practice.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 
 
 
 
 Qualifications:
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
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 Licensed to practice law in [Insert State(s)].
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Preferred Experience:
 
 2+ years of civil litigation experience, specifically on the defense side.
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 Strong knowledge of personal injury law, negligence claims, and insurance defense.
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 Proven ability to handle all aspects of case management, including trial preparation.
 </li>
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 Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
 </li>
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 Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
 </li>
 <li>
 Ability to manage a busy caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 
 
 
 
 Preferred Skills:
 
 
 <ul>
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 Experience in municipal defense, public authority defense, insurance defense, or representing corporate clients.
 </li>
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 Familiarity with local, state, and federal court procedures and rules.
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 Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 
 
 
 
 Why Join?
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
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 Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
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 A collaborative and supportive work environment with a commitment to work-life balance.
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 A flexible hybrid schedule after an initial onboarding period in Mineola.
 </li>
 </ul>
 
 If you are an experienced defense attorney looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.
 
</div>

Litigation Trial Attorney

American Civil Liberties Union

<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">ABOUT THE JOB</h2>

The ACLU seeks applicants for the term-limited, full-time position of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel in the Criminal Law Reform Project of the ACLU&rsquo;s National office in New York, NY, Washington DC, or San Francisco, CA. This is a 2-year, term limited position. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

The Criminal Law Reform Project&rsquo;s mission is to advocate for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. CLRP does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
WHAT YOU'LL DO</h2>

Reporting to the Director or the Deputy Director for Policing, the Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel will have the opportunity to pursue impact litigation and integrated advocacy aimed at challenging systemic misconduct by federal and state law enforcement agents in carrying out the Trump Administration&rsquo;s mass incarceration and deportation agendas. The role may also contribute to other areas of CLRP&rsquo;s docket as necessary.

This is an ideal opportunity for an attorney committed to racial justice, transformative change, and the power of legal advocacy to shift narratives and systems.
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
YOUR DAY TO DAY</h2>

Litigation and Advocacy
<ul>
<li>Lead and contribute to impact litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S., including investigating potential lawsuits, researching and drafting pleadings and briefs, engaging in discovery and motion practice, and conducting evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials and appeals</li>
<li>Maintain a docket of active and developing lawsuits challenging illegal and unconstitutional practices by federal and state law enforcement agents</li>
<li>Provide legal and strategic advice to local ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys, and other partners on litigation</li>
<li>Serve as a resource for ACLU legislative and policy work, as well as advance ACLU policy goals through public education, advocacy and participating in coalitions</li>
<li>Collaborate across departments&mdash;Communications, Political Advocacy, Data &amp; Analytics, and Affiliate Support to develop integrated strategies</li>
<li>Represent CLRP in public forums and media, articulating legal and policy visions to a variety of audiences</li>
</ul>
Staffing and Management
<ul>
<li>Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members</li>
<li>Mentor junior attorneys, interns, and fellows, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture</li></ul> 

<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL</h2>
<ul><li>Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU</li>
<li>Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives</li>
<li>Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts</li>
</ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">WHAT YOU'LL BRING</h2>
<ul><li>J.D. degree and bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; if not admitted to the state bar of the applicable national office (NY, DC or SF), willingness to gain admission within one year of hire 
<ul><li>Those with 8-15 years of experience will have the title of Senior Staff Attorney and those with 16+ years of experience will have the title of Senior Counsel.</li>
</ul></li><li>Demonstrated civil litigation skills and experience, including drafting complaints and briefs and conducting discovery</li>
<li>Strong ability to conduct thorough and goal-oriented fact-finding and investigation</li>
<li>Skilled in working with litigation and/or project teams, including development of clear goals, strategy, team processes and communication, and accountability</li>
<li>You value and excel at working with a wide range of people while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment</li>
<li>You thrive in a complex, cross-departmental structure, particularly with respect to identifying and leveraging organizational resources</li>
<li>You have a familiarity with and commitment to criminal and racial justice (e.g., as a criminal defense lawyer, formerly incarcerated person, civil rights litigator, etc.)</li>
<li>You have excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills</li>
<li>You are willing to travel as needed</li></ul> 

<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS</h2>
<ul><li>Demonstrated leadership skills, for instance serving as lead counsel on a litigation or project team</li>
<li>Familiarity with law and policy relating to Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures</li>
<li>Ability to develop novel litigation theories to challenge criminal legal abuses. For example, CLRP is currently exploring the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act across several areas of work, and in the past has utilized tort, consumer projection, and anti-racketeering law to challenge wealth discrimination in criminal systems</li>
<li>Experience with data analysis as an advocacy or litigation tool</li>
<li>Experience with complex litigation, such as civil rights class actions or other forms of impact litigation.</li>
<li>Skilled in working with or representing vulnerable clients, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system</li>
<li>You have deposition, trial, or hearing experience, or experience at oral argument or appellate litigation</li>
<li>Experience with press strategies for advocacy, such as drafting press releases, and op-eds, or conducting television appearances</li></ul> 

<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
COMPENSATION</h2>

The ACLU has a litigator scale that determines pay for attorneys in our Legal Department. The range of salaries are the following, based on year of law school graduation (please consult the hiring manager for specific salary details, based on individual circumstances)
<ul>
<li>0-2 years since law school graduation: $92,374-$115,393</li>
<li>3-5 years since law school graduation: $129,244-$152,480</li>
<li>6-10 years since law school graduation: $159,461- $179,891</li>
<li>11-15 years since law school graduation: $183,255-$193,657</li>
<li>16-20 years since law school graduation: $195,485-$200,519</li>
<li>21-25 years since law school graduation: $201,534-$205,663</li>
<li>26-30+ years since law school graduation: $206,654- $210,677</li>
</ul>
The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. These salaries are reflective of positions based in New York, NY where are National Offices are headquartered. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
WHY THE ACLU</h2>

For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it&rsquo;s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.

At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include:
<ul>
<li>Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy</li>
<li>Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care &amp; fertility treatment)</li>
<li>Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match</li>
<li>We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops</li>
</ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY &amp; INCLUSION</h2>

Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization &ndash; one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we&rsquo;re in the courts or in the office, we believe &lsquo;We the People&rsquo; means all of us.

With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.</div>

Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Reform Project

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