The Legal Aid Society
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2026
The Legal Aid Society, New York, New York, us, 10261
Overview
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2026 Join to apply for the
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2026
role at
The Legal Aid Society . The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice is seeking dedicated and passionate entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices in the five boroughs of New York City. Entry level staff attorneys are defined as those that have 0-3 years of experience in criminal defense, are admitted to practice in the State of New York or can practice Pro Hac Vice pursuant to New York State rules. 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. Staff Attorneys will provide zealous advocacy and handle all aspects of criminal defense, from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond. The deadline to apply is
December 1, 2025 . Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Offers will also be extended on a rolling basis. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the fall, and if you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email notification during this season. Responsibilities
Responsible for the full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor criminal matters, including client counseling, preparing motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery materials and compliance, interviewing witnesses, advising clients of collateral consequences, referring cases for social work intervention and mitigation, preparing for and conducting hearings and trials Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, bail reviews and writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences and examinations, legal arguments, hearings and trials, and sentencings Interview clients and their families in person and through virtual means, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients Coordinate work performed by defense team members such as investigators, social workers, paralegals, and others Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense, civil defense, family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients File motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis Handle ancillary proceedings related to the criminal cases Other duties as assigned Qualifications
Be admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society's Practice Order Have knowledge of the law of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct A demonstrated commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and an understanding of the racial disparities affecting client communities The ability to work collegially and collaboratively with others 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:
$83,844 - $147,907 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 Transcript 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, sex, national origin, religion or creed, age, disability, marital status, and other protected characteristics. This description preserves the essential EEO intent from the original text. 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 clients and colleagues, and to continuous learning about identity, bias, and dismantling bias in all forms.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2026 Join to apply for the
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2026
role at
The Legal Aid Society . The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice is seeking dedicated and passionate entry-level Staff Attorneys for trial offices in the five boroughs of New York City. Entry level staff attorneys are defined as those that have 0-3 years of experience in criminal defense, are admitted to practice in the State of New York or can practice Pro Hac Vice pursuant to New York State rules. 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. Staff Attorneys will provide zealous advocacy and handle all aspects of criminal defense, from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond. The deadline to apply is
December 1, 2025 . Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Offers will also be extended on a rolling basis. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the fall, and if you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email notification during this season. Responsibilities
Responsible for the full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor criminal matters, including client counseling, preparing motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery materials and compliance, interviewing witnesses, advising clients of collateral consequences, referring cases for social work intervention and mitigation, preparing for and conducting hearings and trials Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, bail reviews and writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences and examinations, legal arguments, hearings and trials, and sentencings Interview clients and their families in person and through virtual means, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients Coordinate work performed by defense team members such as investigators, social workers, paralegals, and others Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense, civil defense, family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients File motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis Handle ancillary proceedings related to the criminal cases Other duties as assigned Qualifications
Be admitted to the New York State Bar or law school graduate eligible to practice under The Legal Aid Society's Practice Order Have knowledge of the law of evidence, criminal and constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and ethical principles contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct A demonstrated commitment to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and an understanding of the racial disparities affecting client communities The ability to work collegially and collaboratively with others 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:
$83,844 - $147,907 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 Transcript 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, sex, national origin, religion or creed, age, disability, marital status, and other protected characteristics. This description preserves the essential EEO intent from the original text. 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 clients and colleagues, and to continuous learning about identity, bias, and dismantling bias in all forms.
#J-18808-Ljbffr