Overview
The Bronx Defenders (BxD) – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate administrative professional with a commitment to social justice to fill a position in our Criminal Defense Practice as the Arraignment Court Liaison.
The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we represent.
Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We take what we learn from the people we represent and communities we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.
The Criminal Defense Practice
The Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) at The Bronx Defenders consists of over 150 attorneys, investigators, social workers, practice associates, and administrators who provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to people in the Bronx facing police and criminal legal system involvement. Our interdisciplinary holistic teams work to identify and address issues that contribute to our clients’ ensnarement in the criminal legal system and to mitigate the enmeshed consequences that arise out of their contact with the system. Through a client-centered approach, our legal teams strive to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and priorities of the people we represent. Armed with that understanding, we fight for desired outcomes by strategically raising personalized, persuasive arguments in mitigation, negotiations, and litigation.
Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Administration, the Criminal Defense Practice Arraignment Court Liaison will work at the front lines of our Criminal Defense Practice handling the administrative intake process in Bronx arraignment court for clients appearing before a judge for the first time after arrest. The Arraignment Court Liaison will work in the fast-paced environment of the courthouse completing data entry and liaising with attorneys, court staff, and the office. The person in this role will be expected to work the evening and weekend shifts. Work hours will be Sunday-Tuesday, 4:00 PM-1:30 AM, Wednesday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Responsibilities can be found below:
• Liaise with court staff and district attorneys to obtain background information for incoming cases to be called in arraignments
• Check computer system for conflict of interest between parties
• Delegate and assign cases to attorneys
• Enter paperwork for cases during arraignment shifts quickly and accurately
• Request electronic files from the court for case entry purposes
• Prepare case packets
• Scan and organize case files
• Create and complete case tracking logs
• Transfer arraignment information and criminal court case information into our internal electronic database
• Provide general administrative support, which may include front desk reception support, support on clerical projects, and general office responsibilities
• Troubleshoot logistical issues with attorneys and court staff for case processing
• Work weekend and night arraignment shifts
• Maintain and organize supplies for arraignment office and courtroom
Qualifications
To be eligible, candidates must have:
• Minimum of two years working in an administrative capacity
Candidates must demonstrate:
• Interest in working with and supporting the defense of people ensnared in carceral systems in the Bronx Community
• Commitment to social justice issues, and participating on a team defending people in criminal, family, immigration and civil legal proceedings
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers
• Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to think critically and creatively in fast-paced settings, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection and shift behavior accordingly
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters
• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level
This is a fully in-person position.
Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 2-5 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $57,930 to $62,867. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.
Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders’ staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 – Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.
This position is non-exempt. By law, non-exempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.