Job Description
Position Description The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing civil, criminal and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS seeks to hire a Staff Attorney in 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, team administrators and interns. 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. NDS also actively pursues criminal legal system reforms based on the experiences and needs of our clients. The Policy Counsel position will lead legal reform efforts at the city and state level for the Criminal Defense Practice under the supervision of the Managing Attorney. Responsibilities Develop and maintain expertise in relevant policy areas for the Criminal Defense Practice. Collaborate with the Data Specialist to analyze case data to inform our policy agenda. Work with the Managing Attorney and communications staff to coordinate responses to policy inquiries from external partners, system stakeholders, and the press. Collaborate with staff, community partners, clients and impacted persons to identify and address policy issues affecting the people and communities we represent. Advise policymakers on the impact of proposed legislative changes on the people and communities we represent and lobby to advance NDS’s policy agenda. Facilitate staff engagement and participation in policy advocacy efforts. Assist in drafting legislation with elected officials and advocacy partners. Lead preparation and delivery of testimony for relevant legislative hearings. Manage and maintain relationships with key policymakers in the field. Coordinate with other staff working on community organizing and public education efforts. Assist in representing NDS in city, state, and national reform coalitions. Participate in developing and evaluating policy positions in consultation with counterparts at other public defender offices, advocacy organizations, grassroots organizations and other stakeholders. Represent a reduced caseload of clients on misdemeanor and felony charges in Criminal and Supreme Court.