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Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Staff Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc, Utica, New York, United States

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Overview

Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem Staff Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing civil, criminal, and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS seeks to hire a Staff Attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan 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 emphasizing responsiveness to clients’ needs before arrest, during pending cases, and after case conclusion. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients. Responsibilities

Provide vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to young 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 and detention facilities, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and mitigation reports on behalf of clients; Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, team administrators, and interns); Work with cross-practice colleagues (education, 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 court arguments; Work primarily at NDS’ main office in Central Harlem when not in court; Collaborate with and mentor less experienced staff; Communicate clearly and effectively with clients who are often under great stress. Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues, and/or the Northern Manhattan communities; A license to practice law in New York or the ability to obtain pro hac vice admission until barred in New York; High organizational and administrative skills to handle a challenging caseload; Strong legal and mitigation writing skills; Bi-lingual (Spanish) attorneys are encouraged to apply. COMPENSATION: Minimum : $82,693 Annual Compensation. Maximum : $166,452 Annual Compensation. Salary range based on transferable experience: 1-5 Years: $82,693 – $92,354 6-10 Years: $95,125 – $109,143 11–15 Years: $115,691 – $129,536 16–30 Years: $130,546 – $166,452 The current salary range for this position is $82,693 - $166,452. Compensation is governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. Full medical and dental benefits, along with other benefits, are provided. HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a

cover letter, resume, and advocacy-based writing sample

(preferably in one PDF). For more information about NDS, visit our website at neighborhooddefender.org. Applications

without

a cover letter

will not be considered . We encourage candidates who may not meet every qualification to apply, as NDS values diversity and inclusivity. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, reflecting the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experiences relevant to our work. The Neighborhood Defender Service is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.

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