Brooklyn Defender Services is seeking applications from attorneys for the position of Special Forensic Science Counsel for our Homicide/Major Felony unit.
This request coincides with the formation of a new unit in our office that will handle homicide and major felony cases. We are now seeking applications from attorneys for the position of Special Forensic Science Counsel.
The Special Forensic Science Counsel will be responsible for understanding and using forensic science and litigating issues involving forensic science evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, firearms/toolmarks and more. Some of the duties will include:
1. Reviewing each case with the attorney to identify forensic issues and the best strategy to litigate these issues.
2. Reviewing the case file to assist the attorney in gathering all reports and documents necessary to litigate the forensic issues.
3. Reviewing all the scientific reports and documents pertinent to the case, giving an opinion regarding the documentation and developing a plan how to best utilize this information.
4. Helping with the research and preparation of motions and memorandum of law regarding forensic evidence, including drafting Frye hearing motions and motions to admit or exclude expert testimony.
5. Keeping up to date on current law and new developments in relevant areas of science and disseminating that information to the attorneys.
6. Advising the attorney on trial strategies as it pertains to forensic issues, and second-seating the trial attorney to litigate these issues at hearings and trials.
7. Attending CLE trainings on trending issues of forensic science and bringing this education to the attorneys in the Unit.
8. Educate attorneys and other staff in the Criminal Defense Practice and other BDS Practice areas on issues related to forensic evidence.
Those who choose to apply should have the following qualifications:
1. 5 years criminal defense litigation experience.
2. Conducted 10 felony jury trials as lead counsel.
3. Conducted at least 5 trials or pre-trial hearings where the accuracy of the DNA evidence was litigated.
4. Demonstrated ability to utilize defense forensic experts and cross-examine opposing experts in a variety of areas of forensic science including, DNA, fingerprints, laboratory analysis, firearms and other areas relevant to criminal defense practice.
5. Experience litigating and advanced understanding of the validity and admissibility of probabilistic genotyping software in general, and STRmix software in particular.
6. Superior legal research and writing ability.
7. Ability to work in a team setting and the desire to work closely with trial-level attorneys and consult on a daily basis.
8. The desire to challenge established scientific theories when the opportunity arises and create innovative legal arguments in support of the defense of the case.
9. The ability to give presentations and CLEs on relevant areas of law.
10. Prior experience in a defender DNA Unit is a significant advantage.
Those attorneys who wish to apply for a position in this unit should submit the following:
1. A statement of interest, delineating the reason that they wish to be a part of the Unit.
2. Any specific qualifications or skills that they believe make them an appropriate candidate for the position.
3. Trials conducted, including the charges, adversary, Court and judge who tried the case.
4. Frye hearings prepared and conducted, including a copy of the motion in support of the hearing.
5. A list of all pre-trial motions where scientific evidence was litigated, describing the nature of the litigation.
6. A list of all trials where scientific evidence was litigated, describing the nature of the litigation.
7. A list of all trials and hearings that litigated DNA issues.
8. Knowledge, training and experience in litigating or understanding the validity and admissibility of probabilistic genotyping software in general, and STRmix software in particular.
9. Motions and hearings involving the admission, exclusion or scope of expert testimony.
10. Submit a brief that best demonstrates your knowledge of forensic legal issues and your ability to formulate creative arguments
11. Submit a list of any advanced trainings attended in connection with forensic evidence.
Please submit this application to Laura Saft at [email protected]