Criminal Defense Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to perform a variety of trial level activities in the area of criminal law, prominently the representation of indigent persons in the 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. 

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $110,000 to $131,000, commensurate with your experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
  • Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.
  • Paid parenthood leave plan
  • 401(k) retirement 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.

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.
• 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 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.
• 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. 

Employment Standards:   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 training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.
• Reliable transportation and license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

 Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of:  all statutory laws related to practicing criminal law in New York State, including the Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Corrections Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Agriculture and Markets Law, Executive Law, Public Health Law and Judiciary Law; trial court procedures; legal research methods; rules of evidence; standard legal office practice and procedures; and ethical and professional rules of conduct.

• Ability to:  work independently; perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents in legal problems; present statements of law, facts and arguments clearly, logically and forcefully, both in written and oral format; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; conduct hearings and trials, manage assigned caseload; meet with and remain in contact with clients, operate personal computer and computer applications used by the units; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; and interact well with the public.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and writing sample to resume@labbuffalo.org or mail them to:

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.
Attention: Human Resources
290 Main Street, Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14202

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our dedicated team.