The Legal Aid Society
Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney - Entry Level Fall 2026 - New York, NY
The Legal Aid Society, New York, New York, us, 10261
Overview
The Legal Aid Society is seeking entry-level Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorneys for trial offices in the five boroughs of New York City. Position: Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney - Entry Level Fall 2026. Location: New York, NY. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2025. Entry level is defined as 0-3 years of experience in criminal defense, admitted to practice in the State of New York or eligible to practice Pro Hac Vice pursuant to New York State rules. Responsibilities
Provide zealous advocacy and handle all aspects of criminal defense from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond for misdemeanor, felony, and homicide matters; including client counseling, motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery, interviewing witnesses, advising on 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, writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences and examinations, legal arguments, hearings, trials, and sentencings. Interview clients and their families, 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, and family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients. File motions, briefs, and other related documents in a timely manner; handle ancillary proceedings related to criminal cases; perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
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. 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 knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. Salary Range: $84,000 to $152,500. The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits. Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This position may qualify for PSLF and other loan forgiveness programs. New York residents may be eligible for state assistance with loan repayments depending on years of practice. To learn more, visit studentaid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs. Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We do not sponsor employment visas or permits, except that for citizens of Canada and Mexico LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status 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 a single combined PDF including: Cover Letter, Resume, Transcript, and Writing Sample. Questions
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org. Equal Employment Opportunity
The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discriminatory actions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or other characteristics protected by law. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. We strive to build strong professional relationships with clients and colleagues and to dismantle bias in all forms. Location: Citywide
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The Legal Aid Society is seeking entry-level Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorneys for trial offices in the five boroughs of New York City. Position: Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney - Entry Level Fall 2026. Location: New York, NY. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2025. Entry level is defined as 0-3 years of experience in criminal defense, admitted to practice in the State of New York or eligible to practice Pro Hac Vice pursuant to New York State rules. Responsibilities
Provide zealous advocacy and handle all aspects of criminal defense from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and beyond for misdemeanor, felony, and homicide matters; including client counseling, motions, plea negotiations, directing and participating in investigations, reviewing discovery, interviewing witnesses, advising on 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, writs of habeas corpus, preliminary conferences and examinations, legal arguments, hearings, trials, and sentencings. Interview clients and their families, 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, and family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients. File motions, briefs, and other related documents in a timely manner; handle ancillary proceedings related to criminal cases; perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
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. 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 knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. Salary Range: $84,000 to $152,500. The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits. Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness
The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This position may qualify for PSLF and other loan forgiveness programs. New York residents may be eligible for state assistance with loan repayments depending on years of practice. To learn more, visit studentaid.gov and hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs. Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We do not sponsor employment visas or permits, except that for citizens of Canada and Mexico LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status 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 a single combined PDF including: Cover Letter, Resume, Transcript, and Writing Sample. Questions
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email jobpostquestions@legal-aid.org. Equal Employment Opportunity
The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discriminatory actions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or other characteristics protected by law. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation. We strive to build strong professional relationships with clients and colleagues and to dismantle bias in all forms. Location: Citywide
#J-18808-Ljbffr