Trial and Special Litigation Supervisor, Criminal Defense Practice

THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing criminal, civil, and family representation. NDS Clients are represented by multidisciplinary teams. NDS is accepting applications for the position of Trial and Special Litigation Supervisor with the Criminal Defense Practice.

The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators.  NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients. 

1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.
2. In collaboration with other supervisors, oversee the supervision of attorneys litigating hearings and trials, including establishing best practices for preparation and co-counseling;
3. Establish and maintain systems for ensuring equity of opportunities for second-seating, other litigation, and trial skills trainings;
4. Organize internal trainings on trial and courtroom litigation skills and facilitate external training opportunities;
5. Supervise attorneys in special litigation roles, including the Special Litigation Attorney, Bail and Decarceration Attorney, and Forensic Specialist; including substantive litigation and issue supervision, as well as administrative tasks such as time off and timecard approval;
6. Facilitate collaboration of special litigation attorneys with policy, outreach, data specialist and other staff;
7. Assist with supervision of arraignments;
8. Provide vigorous direct representation with energy and enthusiasm to residents of Northern Manhattan in Manhattan’s criminal courts through a partial caseload of criminal cases.

The ideal candidate:

1. Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues and the Harlem communities.
2. Must possess a demonstrated commitment to holistic and client-centered defense.
3. Must show respect for and patience with clients and colleagues.
4. Must be comfortable providing and receiving feedback and critique in a constructive manner.
5. Must have at least 10 years of experience representing clients in criminal cases and significant experience litigating jury trials;
6. Must have experience cross examining expert witnesses, such as OCME criminalists, toxicologists, ballistics experts, medical experts, etc.;
7. Must have experience working with defense-retained experts;
8. Must possess a high level of organizational and administrative skills.
9. Must be able to work cooperatively in a team setting.
10. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
11. Must have previous experience training, supervising, teaching or mentoring attorneys or legal interns;
12. Must be admitted to practice in New York or able to seek admission pro hac vice;
13. Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. The current range for this position is
$109,143 - $173,110. 

The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided.

Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume through NDS’s website at www.neighborhooddefender.org/careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.