The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate, experienced attorney with a commitment to public defense to join our Criminal Defense Practice.
Founded in 1997, The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that has developed a nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense, which provides people with teams of lawyers, social workers, and advocates to defend them zealously in court as well as to address the underlying drivers and enmeshed penalties of legal system involvement.
Since opening our doors, we have grown into an organization of more than 400 staff members defending nearly 20,000 New Yorkers each year in criminal, family, civil, and immigration proceedings who face incarceration, family separation, eviction, and deportation, among other devastating consequences.
Today we are reimagining the role of public defense even further, using community organizing and engagement, legislative advocacy, and impact litigation to partner with the communities we represent to bring about long-lasting systemic change.
We also share our model and lessons learned with current and future public defenders, run two legal clinics at NYC law schools and train public defenders throughout the country on how to move to a holistic model of representation.
The Criminal Defense Practice
The Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) at The Bronx Defenders consists of over 150 attorneys, investigators, social workers, practice associates, and administrators who provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to people in the Bronx facing police and criminal legal system involvement. Through a client-centered approach, our CDP legal teams strive to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and priorities of the people we represent. Armed with that understanding, we fight for desired outcomes by strategically raising personalized, persuasive arguments in mitigation, negotiations, and litigation.
Responsabilities
Engage in intensive client interviewing, counseling, research, writing, oral advocacy and negotiations as part of legal representation
Zealously advocate for individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Bronx Criminal Court from the time of arraignment through disposition or trial, as well as concurrent proceedings such as Department of Motor Vehicle refusal hearings
Provide comprehensive, team-based representation collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and advocates to avoid or mitigate any further legal system involvement or civil consequences that may arise out of contact with the criminal legal system
Effectively litigate, confidently negotiate and skillfully advocate for the people we represent with judges, prosecutors, and other actors within the systems our clients are navigating
Regularly work arraignment shifts, including on nights and weekends
Assist colleagues with representation of clients
Co-counsel cases in other venues like Family Court, Civil Court and Administrative Hearings, as necessary and desired
Participate in holistic advocacy within the practice and in the office
Participate in internal working groups to develop best practices across referral relationships
Participate in trainings within the office as well as, on occasion, external community events, conferences and webinars in which BXD is participating or presenting
To be eligible, candidates must have:
At least 3 years of experience in Criminal Law
Membership in good standing or eligibility for prompt admission to the New York Bar
Applicants must demonstrate:
Commitment to directly defending people charged with criminal offenses in the Bronx community
Commitment to challenging systemic injustice and carceral systems
Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences
Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers in our criminal, immigration, civil action and family defense practices
Commitment to fierce advocacy, and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of the people we represent
Effective research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills
Strong analytical skills and capacity to employ non-legal resources in cases
Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to think critically and creatively under pressure, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles
Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly
Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality around sensitive issues
Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level
This is an in-person position.
To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like us to consider. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume. If selected for the position, your resume will be used to determine your salary based on the number of years of directly relevant professional experience listed; we therefore encourage you to ensure your resume includes all relevant professional experience. Applications without a written cover letter will not be considered.
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