Staff Attorney - DNA Unit

Full-time

No

Summary:

- Organization: The Legal Aid Society
- Job Title: Staff Attorney - DNA Unit
- Location: New York, NY (Citywide)
- Practice: Criminal Defense
- Salary Range: $74,909 to $130,308
- Deadline: 3:00 PM EST, Apr 10, 2024

The Legal Aid Society is seeking a Staff Attorney for its DNA Unit to provide support to attorneys handling DNA matters, advance policy initiatives, and litigate systemic issues. The Staff Attorney will also develop litigation strategies surrounding forensic feature comparison methods and provide support for other Society attorneys. This position requires admission to the New York State Bar, demonstrated aptitude for evaluating scientific evidence, and a substantial background in forensics or a willingness to acquire such knowledge.

The DNA Unit provides citywide support on DNA issues and Staff Attorneys may be assigned to a borough office or headquarters at 199 Water Street. They may also be deployed to any of the five boroughs as needed and provide backup support for other defense attorneys. This is a citywide unit that works together to develop, implement, and coordinate Society policy and litigation strategy concerning DNA matters.

Responsibilities for this position include writing motions, appellate briefs, and amicus briefs; representing clients in criminal proceedings involving DNA and other forensic feature comparisons; and providing in-house and external training on forensic feature comparison issues. The Staff Attorney will also advocate for policy changes and provide back-up support for other defense attorneys in New York City. Excellent oral advocacy, research and writing, and training skills are required, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance, paid vacation, disability and life insurance, and more. The specific salary offer will depend on candidate qualifications and is subject to collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. The leadership of The Legal Aid Society is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice, and excellent representation.

All applications must be completed online and the deadline is 3:00 PM EST on Apr 10, 2024. The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on various characteristics protected by law.

Not specified

Health insurance, paid vacation, disability and life insurance, and more.

Not specified

Legal writing, oral advocacy, research, training, teamwork, policy analysis, case management

Not specified

All applications must be completed online through the LAS Recruitment Portal. Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single combined PDF.

Qualification and Experience Admission to New York State Bar

Legal