Criminal Defense Practice Staff Attorney – Entry Level Fall 2027
The Legal Aid Society
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
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 2, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a
rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Interviews will be scheduled
throughout the fall, and if you are selected for an interview, you will receive
an email notification during this season. Offers will also be extended on a
rolling basis.
The application process will include:
* On Campus Interview (OCI), if applicable, serving as a screening
* Two rounds of interviews
* Reference check
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Responsible for the full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor
Criminal matters, which include, 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 &
examinations, legal arguments, hearings & 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
Required 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: $86,520 - $157,075
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health
insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here
to read more about benefits.
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flegalaidnyc.org%2Fculture-benefits%2Fbenefits-of-working-at-the-legal-aid-society%2F&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363965923%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zFvx2qvrAm5k8uYQgZoULO2AR8JJlm67iMSDv7JSSNg%3D&reserved=0]
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
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstudentaid.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363979332%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3D73fh6UwxmPWvvNWaZGdk3UCM3%2Fy2IiPBE0n0akO9k%3D&reserved=0]
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hesc.ny.gov%2Floan-forgiveness-programs.html&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363986814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rN1uWkzoniRjXqfTiL7d89CJiuiWW8nOBNQi18iFDxU%3D&reserved=0]
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
* Official/Unofficial Transcript
* Writing Sample
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email
TalentAcquisition@legal-aid.org [TalentAcquisition@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.
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 2, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a
rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Interviews will be scheduled
throughout the fall, and if you are selected for an interview, you will receive
an email notification during this season. Offers will also be extended on a
rolling basis.
The application process will include:
* On Campus Interview (OCI), if applicable, serving as a screening
* Two rounds of interviews
* Reference check
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
* Responsible for the full holistic representation of clients on misdemeanor
Criminal matters, which include, 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 &
examinations, legal arguments, hearings & 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
Required 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: $86,520 - $157,075
The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health
insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here
to read more about benefits.
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flegalaidnyc.org%2Fculture-benefits%2Fbenefits-of-working-at-the-legal-aid-society%2F&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363965923%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zFvx2qvrAm5k8uYQgZoULO2AR8JJlm67iMSDv7JSSNg%3D&reserved=0]
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
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstudentaid.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363979332%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3D73fh6UwxmPWvvNWaZGdk3UCM3%2Fy2IiPBE0n0akO9k%3D&reserved=0]
hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs
[https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hesc.ny.gov%2Floan-forgiveness-programs.html&data=05%7C02%7CDTortoriello%40legal-aid.org%7C350a71c058c64b3fb6cd08dc58c719c0%7Cf226ccf384ef49ca9b0a9b565b2f0f06%7C0%7C0%7C638482859363986814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rN1uWkzoniRjXqfTiL7d89CJiuiWW8nOBNQi18iFDxU%3D&reserved=0]
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
* Official/Unofficial Transcript
* Writing Sample
For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email
TalentAcquisition@legal-aid.org [TalentAcquisition@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.