Attorney-in-Charge, New York County Trial Office

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice seeks a visionary and justice-driven Attorney-in-Charge (AIC) to lead its New York County trial office. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who is deeply committed to trial litigation and advocacy, racial justice and equity, transformative public defense, and the growth and empowerment of interdisciplinary teams.

 

The AIC will guide and collaborate with a diverse staff of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and support professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning. With a strong foundation in trial advocacy and team leadership, the AIC will champion representation that centers the dignity and humanity of every client. The AIC will directly manage a leadership team consisting of Supervising Attorneys and other related managers across the Trial Office.

 

This position is not only about managing operations—it’s about inspiring a new generation of public defenders, investing in their professional development, and ensuring an affirming workplace. The AIC will collaborate across the Legal Aid Society and with external partners to advance systemic change, reduce harm, and uphold the organization’s mission of equal justice for all.

 

As a key member of the Criminal Defense Practice’s leadership, the AIC will help shape strategic priorities, mentor emerging leaders, and build bridges with communities most impacted by the criminal legal system. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, advocate with integrity, and make a lasting impact on the lives of New Yorkers.

 

The Legal Aid Society is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit law firm, rooted in the belief that justice should belong to everyone—not just those who can afford it. For nearly a century and a half, we have stood alongside New Yorkers who have been silenced, marginalized, or criminalized—offering not just legal representation, but a powerful voice for dignity, equity, and systemic change.

 

With a presence in every borough and a reach that spans over 300,000 legal matters annually, our Civil, Criminal Defense, and Juvenile Rights Practices provide an unparalleled depth of expertise to the city’s most vulnerable communities. Whether in courtrooms, communities, or policy arenas, we are committed to breaking down barriers to justice and building a more equitable future for all.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

As Attorney-in-Charge, you will serve as a transformational leader for the New York County Criminal Defense Trial Office—guiding a team of passionate advocates committed to justice, equity, and the power of community-centered defense. Primary responsibilities include:

 

• Embrace the evolving needs of the office and the communities it serves, taking on additional responsibilities as needed to advance the mission
• Lead with vision and compassion, overseeing daily operations while cultivating a culture of excellence, inclusion, and mutual respect

• Inspire and empower a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, investigators, social workers, paralegals, and support staff to deliver holistic, client-centered advocacy
• Champion racial equity and social justice, ensuring that every aspect of the office’s work reflects a deep commitment to dismantling systemic racism and uplifting impacted communities
• Serve as a bridge-builder, representing the office in critical conversations with the District Attorney’s Office, the Office of Court Administration, elected officials, and community partners
• Respond with integrity to the needs and concerns of clients, staff, and community members, fostering trust and transparency
• Assess and advocate for the resources necessary to support staff well-being, professional growth, and sustainable workloads
• Shape legal strategy with creativity and courage, ensuring that every case is approached with rigor, innovation, and a commitment to justice
• Model collaborative leadership, encouraging open communication, shared decision-making, and collective accountability
• Mentor and develop leaders, investing in the growth of supervisory staff and nurturing the next generation of public defenders
• Prioritize professional development, creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and advancement across all roles

• Responsible for overall Manhattan Trial Office operations, including but not limited to recruitment, retentio