Staff Attorney – Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Defense Unit

Staff Attorney – Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Defense Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit (CDU) to perform a variety of trial-level activities in the area of criminal law, prominently the representation of indigent persons in Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, New York State Supreme Court, and any other court where the Criminal Defense Unit is assigned cases.

Under general direction, Staff Attorneys are responsible for supporting a holistic, client-centered approach to defending their clients throughout every aspect of a client’s criminal matter assigned to them. This work commences at arraignment and concludes with filing a Notice of Appeal following conviction, if applicable.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children, and families in the Western New York Community through quality, client-centered, and holistic legal representation.

• Competitive Pay
  :
  Earn a salary ranging from $110,000 to $131,000, commensurate with your experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.
• Union Position
  :
  Be part of a supportive and collective bargaining environment.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  :
  Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Appears at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Reviews accusatory instruments and makes arguments as to dismissal.
• Makes arguments relevant to bail both at arraignment and at other times as necessary, sometimes in Superior Court
  .
• Conducts eligibility screenings where applicable.
• Meets with and remains in touch with clients following arraignment and at regular intervals during the pendency of the case. Client meetings may take place in the office, out of the office, over electronic communication, and at the Erie County Holding Center, Erie County Correctional Facility, or other correctional facilities as appropriate.
• Collaborates with internal investigators to develop effective defense strategies, gather and analyze evidence, locate and interview witnesses, and prepare comprehensive defense materials for trial.
• Prepares and conducts evidentiary hearings.
• Researches and writes motions and makes oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
• Collaborates with social workers and client advocates to address broader needs of clients, including housing, employment, mental health, substance use treatment, and other supportive services.
• Remains in contact with co-defendant counsel as well as attorneys handling client’s other criminal matters to secure the best possible results.
• Retains and prepares expert witnesses as applicable.
• Prepares for and conducts both jury and non-jury trials.
• Prepares post-conviction motions (CPL 330, 440) as well as pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
• Files a Notice of Appeal, if applicable, and remains available to assist the assigned appeals attorney with all aspects of a client’s appeal.
• Maintains legible and complete client files to allow for accurate data recording.
• Utilizes case management programs provided by the Bureau as directed by management.
• Provides coverage for attorneys occupied with court matters and/or those out on leave.
• Remains abreast of updates in criminal law and attends classes and seminars to bolster knowledge and improve performance.
• Meets regularly with CDU Management staff to discuss the status of cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

• Active membership in the New York State Bar; and
• Four years of experience as an attorney in the practice of trial-level criminal defense with a focus on felony defense preferred; or
• A combination of…