Baltimore, MD: Chief Attorney – Baltimore City Juvenile Defender Division
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a dynamic leader and experienced litigator to lead its Baltimore City Juvenile Defender Division in providing high quality advocacy on behalf of young people in juvenile delinquency proceedings. Click here for more information.
Orange County, NY: Summer Internship
Summer Internship, Criminal/Family Law; 10 week position, salary $480 per week. Completion of 1 year of law school and a course in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, or Family Law required by start date. Intern will assist in research and investigations, appear with lawyers in the County's criminal and Family Courts, and conduct interviews with clients. Cover letter, resume to gabramson@lasocny.org
Steuben County, NY: Public Defender
This full-time position requires five years experience as a practicing attorney in the field of criminal law. $67,779 - $86,431 DOQ; NYS Retirement; excellent benefits. For details, see http://www.steubencony.org/jobannouncements/public_defender_010512.pdf. Send resume and cover letter by February 1, 2012 to Nancy B. Smith, Personnel Officer, Steuben County Personnel, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810
Albany, NY: New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services - Four positions
The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Director of Quality Enhancement, Criminal Defense Trials; Director of Quality Enhancement, Representation of Parents in Family Court; Director of Quality Enhancement, Appellate and Post-Conviction Representation; and Manager of Grand Solicitation and Distribution. The filing deadline for each of these positions is January 11, 2012. The Office of Indigent Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. The agency actively seeks to diversify its workforce. For more information, click here.
Director of Quality Enhancement, Criminal Defense Trials (Assistant Counsel): minimum qualifications- 10 years' criminal defense practice, or 5 years that includes supervisory experience. Assistant Counsel will be responsible for fulfilling the Office's responsibility to "make efforts to improve the quality of services provided pursuant to article 18-B of the county law" [Executive Law 832(1)], with respect to the representation of all trial level indigent criminal defendants who are represented by assigned counsel.
Director of Quality Enhancement, Representation of Parents in Family Court (Assistant Counsel): minimum qualifications- 10 years' parental representation practice, or 5 years that includes supervisory experience. Assistant Counsel will be responsible for fulfilling the Office's responsibility to "make efforts to improve the quality of services provided pursuant to article 18-B of the county law" [Executive Law 832(1)], with respect to the representation of parents who are represented by assigned counsel in Family Court proceedings.
Director of Quality Enhancement, Appellate and Post-Conviction Representation (Assistant Counsel): minimum qualifications- 10 years' criminal defense and/or parental appellate practice, or 5 years that includes supervisory experience. Assistant Counsel will be responsible for fulfilling the Office's responsibility to "make efforts to improve the quality of services provided pursuant to article 18-B of the county law" [Executive Law 832(1)], with respect to the representation at the appellate and post-conviction levels of criminal defendants and parents who are represented by assigned counsel.
Manager of Grant Solicitation and Distribution (Special Assistant): minimum qualifications - 10 years' experience in the field; successful experience with grant solicitation strongly preferred. The Special Assistant manages the activities of the Office of Indigent Legal Services (OILS) related to the distribution of grants and funds. The incumbent of this position will work closely with the Director and Agency Counsel and will be responsible for reviewing confidential case data and preparing initiatives for the Director's approval pursuant to the provisions of Executive Law 832(3)(a)–(k). This activity requires an understanding of legal concepts, statutory interpretation, and attorney-client privilege. All case-related information and knowledge obtained in the performance of these duties must be treated as highly confidential information.
Washington, DC: Deputy Director for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
The Board of Trustees for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is charged with hiring the deputy director of PDS. The deputy director will work under the supervision of the PDS director and assist in the overall management and administration of the legal departments and administrative functions of the agency, including the implementation of policies and procedures to advance the mission of the agency. The deputy director is a very prominent position in the District of Columbia, and strong preference will be given to applicants with strong professional ties to the District of Columbia criminal justice system and a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense representation. Applications from minority group members and women are encouraged. EOE. For more information, click here.
King County, Washington: Office of Public Defense, Director
King County is currently recruiting for the Director of its Office of Public Defense (OPD). The successful candidate will have well-developed leadership skills to fill this highly-visible position. The Director, appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council, will be responsible for working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, both locally and regionally, on ensuring all eligible clients receive the highest quality, public, legal defense representation. Working under the general direction of both the King County Executive and the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), the OPD Director of will be the lead advocate and policy voice regarding indigent defense for the County on relevant criminal justice committees, forums, and at all levels and branches of the King County government. The OPD Director participates as a member of the DCHS management team, providing input into strategic planning on equity and social justice issues and strategies to reduce the involvement of vulnerable populations in the criminal justice and other publicly provided systems. King County values its employees, challenges them to continuously improve the way we do business and the services we provide, and to carry out their duties in an ethical manner that earns the public trust. King County also offers excellent working conditions and premium benefits. For a complete job description and application instructions, click here. King County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation (including gender identity), or any protected status.
Washington, DC: Equal Justice Works, Manager of Indigent Defense Fellowships
Equal Justice Works seeks a visionary manager from the public defender community to join us in expanding employment opportunities in indigent defense across the country. Currently, there are 18 Public Defender Corps (PDC) fellows working in the northeast and southeast United States. The PDC is a partnership with the award-winning Southern Public Defender Training Center, a visionary organization dedicated the changing the culture of indigent defense from one which processes individuals quickly through the criminal defense system to one of client-centered representation and zealous advocacy. The manager will be a key leader in improving indigent defense by bringing talented new lawyers into the field. For a full job description and application instructions, click here. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. Equal Justice Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.
New York, NY: New York Civil Liberties Union, Legislative Counsel
The New York Civil Liberties Union seeks to employ for the position of Legislative Counsel an individual who, under the supervision of the Legislative Director, will play a key role in the organization’s efforts to promote and defend civil rights and civil liberties in the legislative and public policy arenas. Experience and Qualifications: JD required, candidates with at least two years of legal or public policy experience are preferred; demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights; excellent legal research, writing, and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively; an understanding of the legislative process, and experience in organizing and working with coalitions to achieve legislative goals; an ability to explain clearly and persuasively, to experts and non-experts, the NYCLU’s analysis of legal principles and related public policy issues; applicants should possess initiative and the capacity to work effectively when faced with time constraints. To apply, email a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and writing samples- such as research memo, article or brief – tojobs@nyclu.org with “Legislative Counsel” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The NYCLU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. For more information, click here.
Mexico City: Federal Public Defender Program Director
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (“ABA ROLI”) seeks a full-time Federal Public Defender Program Director, to be based in Mexico City, who will manage an anticipated three-year program to strengthen Mexico’s federal public defender office during the country’s transition to the accusatorial legal system (“Program”). The Program will support the federal public defender’s office in training the country’s federal public defenders on criminal defense representation under the accusatorial system, strengthen its capacity to fulfill its mission, and educate the public on the importance of indigent criminal defense. For a full description of the position, click here. If you need further information or have any questions, please contact ABA ROLI Recruitment and International Support Manager, Sarah Mennone, at Sarah.Mennone@americanbar.org or (202) 442-3453.
New York, NY: Vera Institute of Justice, Substance Use and Mental Health Program
The Vera Institute of Justice's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program (SUMH) seeks a Senior Program Associate. SUMH aims to reduce justice system contact for people with substance use and mental health issues. SUMH is launching the Behavioral Health and Justice Information Sharing Project, a new initiative to develop and disseminate resources for health and justice policy makers and practitioners seeking to share information on the substance use and mental health needs of their clients. Vera seeks an individual to manage this project who has a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities of information sharing, an interest in developing training materials and policy briefs, and is comfortable with working closely with policymakers and practitioners. Qualifications: graduate degree (JD, PhD, or Master's) with relevant work experience; excellent writing and communication skills; experience in public policy, psychology, law, government, public health or related social science disciplines (with experience working on issues related to criminal justice, substance use and/or mental health preferred); knowledge of or experience with information sharing initiatives; project management experience; interest in working in a collaborative environment; ability and confidence to facilitate meetings of senior policymakers, researchers, and practitioners; willingness to travel outside of New York City; and an understanding of applied research methods. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. The Vera Institute of Justice values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about this position, click here.
New York, NY: Vera Institute of Justice, Center on Youth Justice-Senior Program Associate
The Vera Institute of Justice’s Center on Youth Justice seeks a Senior Program Associate to assume a leadership role in the management of several of its projects. Vera’s Center on Youth Justice (CYJ) promotes the well-being and safety of youth, families, and communities by working with government to make juvenile justice systems equitable and humane in policy and practice. CYJ combines research, planning, and technical assistance with substantive expertise in juvenile justice to inform and facilitate the work of policymakers and practitioners nationwide. Qualifications: JD or other graduate degree; at least four years of work experience in a government, advocacy, or policy-related position; interest in social justice, commitment to fairness, and a demonstrated knowledge of juvenile/criminal justice issues (such as disproportionate minority contact and over-incarceration); ability to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently; a commitment to a collegial workplace; ideal candidates will be equally adept at working independently and with a team; willingness to travel outside of New York City frequently; strong interpersonal and communications skills, political instincts, public speaking ability, research and writing skills are required; must be comfortable facilitating meetings of senior policymakers; and supervisory experience preferred but not required. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. The Vera Institute of Justice values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about this position, click here.
New York, NY: American Civil Liberties Union, Racial Justice Program-Staff Attorney
The American Civil Liberties Union’s Racial Justice Program invites applications for the full-time position of Staff Attorney. The ACLU’s Racial Justice Program challenges racial discrimination and other practices and policies that have a direct or disparate impact on communities of color with a particular emphasis on education and criminal justice issues and with an emerging focus on economic issues. Applications will be accepted until position is filled, which will not be before October 16, 2011. The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. For more information about this position,click here.
New York, NY: New York Civil Liberties Union, Staff Attorney
The NYCLU seeks a staff attorney to conduct litigation and related advocacy. This staff attorney will work on the full range of NYCLU issues, with an emphasis on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and on reproductive rights. Other substantive areas of NYCLU litigation include issues of free expression, equal protection, police misconduct, rights of students and rights of privacy. The NYCLU furthers its goals through litigation and legal analysis, advocacy, outreach and education. The staff attorney will be part of the NYCLU’s Legal Department but will work in close consultation with the Legislative, Advocacy, and Communications Departments. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, current resume, writing sample and salary requirements via e-mail to: jobs@nyclu.org with “Staff Attorney” in the subject field. The NYCLU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbians, gay men and transgender individuals to apply. For more information, click here.
Monroe County: Public Defender's Office
The Monroe County Public Defender is accepting resumes for an entry-level position as an assistant public defender in the Town Court Bureau. In this position the attorney would be responsible for representing persons charged with misdemeanors or violations in town courts throughout Monroe County. Starting salary is $51,154 with excellent benefits, including full health insurance, dental, vacation, sick time, compensatory time, and membership in the NYS Retirement System. Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York and have a valid driver's license. All employees of Monroe County are required to reside within Monroe County. Interested applicants should submit a resume to the Monroe County Public Defender's Office, 10 N. Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY 14614.
Oneida County: Assistant Public Defender Criminal Division (Continuous Recruitment Notice)
Oneida County seeks Assistant Public Defender. In this position, the attorney assists the Public Defender in the representation of indigent persons, charged with crimes at all stages of a criminal proceeding; keeps abreast of all procedures and policies within the Public Defender's Office; assist the Public Defender in maintaining law files which may be useful in criminal defense work. For more information, click here.
NYSDA Internship Programs Public Interest Employment
Law Internship Program in Albany, NY
Internships are available for law students who want to gain experience in legal research and criminal law. Students can earn academic credit through Albany Law School or any participating institution. Law students work on a variety of criminal defense research projects, and participate in the preparation of case summaries for NYSDA's publications and databases. During the summer, law student interns are eligible to work along with staff and observe NYSDA's Basic Trial Skills Program for new attorneys. Send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to:
Charles F. O'Brien
Managing Attorney
New York State Defenders Association
194 Washington Ave, Suite 500
Albany, NY 12210
Email: cobrien@nysda.org
Phone: (518) 465-3524
Fax: (518) 465-3249
Criminal Justice Internship Program in Albany, NY
Internships are available for students who want to gain experience in criminal justice research. Students can earn academic credit through the SUNY School of Criminal Justice in Albany or any participating institution. Among its many responsibilities, NYSDA engages in the following activities: providing technical assistance to public defense providers and local, state and government officials; reviewing and analyzing public defense and relevant criminal justice research studies, reports and literature; assisting in evaluation of county public defense systems; undertaking public defense data collection, including caseload, budget and expenditure data; designing survey instruments; and assisting in reviewing and analyzing public defense legislation. The criminal justice intern works under the supervision of the Executive Director and Managing Attorney to fulfill the office's social science research needs. Send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to:
Charles F. O'Brien
Managing Attorney
New York State Defenders Association
194 Washington Ave, Suite 500
Albany, NY 12210
Email: cobrien@nysda.org
Phone: (518) 465-3524
Fax: (518) 465-3249
Library Internship Program in Albany, NY
Internships are available for students who want to gain experience in librarianship or information science. Students can earn academic credit through the School of Information Science and Policy, University at Albany or any participating library school. The Backup Center Library plays a key role in NYSDA's mission by providing research and support services to staff lawyers, public defense attorneys and government officials. Library Interns, working under the supervision of Director of Legal Information Services, will have the opportunity to interact with professional staff, government agencies, vendors and publishers. Interns will work in any or all of the following areas: reference and research, collection development, cataloging, indexing and database management, records management and space planning. Send a cover letter and resume (preferably by email) to:
Ken Strutin
Director of Legal Information Services
New York State Defenders Association
194 Washington Ave, Suite 500
Albany, NY 12210
Email: kstrutin@nysda.org
Phone: (518) 465-3524
Fax: (518) 465-3249
