Major Crimes Staff Attorney

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. offers an opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to perform trial-level activities in criminal law, representing indigent persons in Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, New York State Supreme Court, and other assigned courts. This position is primarily on-site at our office located at 290 Main St., Buffalo, NY.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has provided access to justice and due process for vulnerable individuals, children, and families in Western New York for over 100 years. We offer holistic, client-centered legal representation in criminal and civil matters, including criminal defense, child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, and immigration.

Responsibilities

• Appear at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Review accusatory instruments and argue for dismissal.
• Argue bail matters at arraignment and other times, including in Superior Court.
• Conduct eligibility screenings where applicable.
• Maintain regular contact with clients post-arraignment, including meetings in the office, electronically, or at correctional facilities (e.g., Erie County Holding Center, Erie County Correctional Facility).
• Collaborate with internal investigators to develop defense strategies, gather and analyze evidence, locate and interview witnesses, and prepare defense materials for trial.
• Prepare and conduct evidentiary hearings.
• Research and draft motions, and make oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
• Work with social workers and client advocates to address clients' broader needs, such as housing, employment, mental health, and substance use treatment.
• Coordinate with co-defendant counsel and attorneys handling other criminal matters to secure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Retain and prepare expert witnesses as needed.
• Prepare for and conduct jury and non-jury trials.
• Draft post-conviction motions (CPL 330, 440) and pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
• File a Notice of Appeal, if applicable, and assist the assigned appeals attorney with the appeal process.
• Maintain complete and legible client files for accurate data recording.
• Use case management programs as directed by management.
• Provide coverage for attorneys occupied with court matters or on leave.
• Stay updated on criminal law developments and attend relevant classes and seminars.
• Meet regularly with CDU Management to discuss case status.
• Perform other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• At least 4 years of experience practicing law after bar admittance (required for the listed salary range).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Extensive paid time off, including holiday, vacation, personal, and sick time.
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions between 6% and 8% upon eligibility.
• Life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options, including short-term disability, long-term disability, and term life insurance.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and flexible spending account.

Pay

Salary ranging from $113,678 to $124,465, commensurate with relevant experience.

Schedule

Full-time, 40-hour work week with flexibility built into the schedule within the parameters of our collective bargaining agreement.

Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.