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 as Criminal Defense Practice Discovery Administrator.
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, 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 defend.
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 level. 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.
Responsibilities
During a criminal case, attorneys obtain evidence and information during the pretrial process. As a result, The Bronx Defenders receive and must share a large volume of evidence (discovery) with the District Attorney’s office throughout each case. Reporting to the Managing Director of Administration, the Criminal Defense Practice Discovery Administrator is responsible for supporting attorneys in collecting, processing, and maintaining discovery records.
● Receive, download, upload, categorize and organize all discovery content produced by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office (BXDAO) within the required time frame
● Ensure the discovery produced correlates with BxD cases
● Organize all discovery on BxD storage system/cloud
● Ensure discovery is properly maintained in the BXD system in proper form with proper credentials
● Notify assigned defender when all discovery is downloaded and ready for team access
● Coordinate with the assigned defender to ensure reciprocal discovery is properly uploaded to the BxD system and provided to the assigned prosecutor
● Retrieve physical documents from the District Attorney’s Office
● Liaise with the Information Technology Department to troubleshoot any technological constraints that may arise
● Answer telephone/email inquiries from staff and handle basic correspondence related to discovery
● Enter and search data on various Unified Court System databases and internal case management system
● Back-up and support administrative staff including, but not limited to, filing motions, scheduling conferences, clerical support, and notary services
Qualifications
To be eligible, applicants must have:
● Minimum of one year of experience working in an office
Candidates must demonstrate:
● 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
● Strong computer literacy skills
● Ability to learn and efficiently use new technological systems
● Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and OneDrive
● Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
● Meticulous attention to detail
● 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
● Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends
This is an in person position with contact with staff and community members.
Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $52,343 – $57,305. 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; and a professional development fund. 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.