Staff Attorney – Criminal Defense Unit Class

Staff Attorney – Criminal Defense Unit September 2026 Hiring Class

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking applicants for our September 2026 Criminal Defense Unit hiring class. Selected attorneys will undergo an intense training program.
Candidates who are not yet admitted in NY will be considered.

The mission of the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through quality legal representation and assistance.

Under general direction, staff attorneys 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; perform related duties as required. Staff attorneys are responsible for handling every aspect of a client’s criminal case that is assigned to them.

This work commences at arraignment and concludes with filing a Notice of Appeal following conviction, if applicable.

Why Join Us?

• Desirable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a typically 40-hour work week, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
• Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $83,959 to $98,399, 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 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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, the Erie County Correctional Facility or other correctional facilities as appropriate.
• Conducts investigations or retains the service of internal and external investigators as appropriate to gather evidence, locate witnesses and prepare defense materials.
• Researches and writes motions and makes oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
• Discusses with client and attempts resolution of ancillary issues affecting client’s life including employment issues, housing, treatment and other matters as applicable.
• Remains in contact with co‑defendant counsel as well as attorneys handling client’s other criminal matters in order 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.
• 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 status of cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

Employment Standards:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Active membership in the State Bar of New York preferred; and
• Experience…