Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem

Policy Counsel, Criminal Defense Practice

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing civil, criminal and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS seeks to hire a Staff Attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice.

The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, team administrators and interns. NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients. NDS also actively pursues criminal legal system reforms based on the experiences and needs of our clients. The Policy Counsel position will lead legal reform efforts at the city and state level for the Criminal Defense Practice under the supervision of the Managing Attorney.

• Develop and maintain expertise in relevant policy areas for the Criminal Defense Practice.
• Collaborate with the Data Specialist to analyze case data to inform our policy agenda.
• Work with the Managing Attorney and communications staff to coordinate responses to policy inquiries from external partners, system stakeholders, and the press.
• Collaborate with staff, community partners, clients and impacted persons to identify and address policy issues affecting the people and communities we represent.
• Advise policymakers on the impact of proposed legislative changes on the people and communities we represent and lobby to advance NDS’s policy agenda.
• Facilitate staff engagement and participation in policy advocacy efforts.
• Assist in drafting legislation with elected officials and advocacy partners.
• Lead preparation and delivery of testimony for relevant legislative hearings.
• Manage and maintain relationships with key policymakers in the field.
• Coordinate with other staff working on community organizing and public education efforts.
• Assist in representing NDS in city, state, and national reform coalitions.
• Participate in developing and evaluating policy positions in consultation with counterparts at other public defender offices, advocacy organizations, grassroots organizations and other stakeholders.
• Represent a reduced caseload of clients on misdemeanor and felony charges in Criminal and Supreme Court.

1. A demonstrated commitment to criminal legal reform, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice issues, and the Harlem communities.
2. At least 5 years of experience practicing as a public defender in New York criminal and supreme courts.
3. Bar admission in New York.
4. Familiarity with New York city and New York state legislative processes.
5. Must have experience collaborating with other advocates and community-based organizations.
6. Must possess a high level of organizational and administrative skills.
7. Must be able to work cooperatively in a team setting.
8. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
9. Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION:

Min: $95,125 Annual Compensation.

Max: $166,452 Annual Compensation.

The current salary range for this position is $95,125 - $166,452. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and advocacy-based writing sample (preferably in one single PDF).

For more information about NDS, please visit our website at neighborhooddefender.org.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

 The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.