Staff Attorney, DNA Forensics Unit (Bronx)

The Criminal Defense Practice of The Legal Aid Society has an opening for a Staff Attorney in its DNA Unit. The position is in the Bronx Trial Office. 

 

The DNA Unit was created in 2013 to provide citywide training, support and resources to attorneys whose client is charged with forensic evidence, including DNA, fingerprint, ballistics, firearm and toolmark analysis.  Staff Attorneys in the DNA Unit are the Society's in-house experts in forensic science matters and provide support for Criminal Defense Practice attorneys and other defense attorneys.  They maintain caseloads pertaining to matters where DNA evidence or other forensic feature comparison methods are involved and provide support, including expert assistance and second-seating cases handled by other Society attorneys.  

 

All members of this citywide unit work together to develop, implement, and coordinate Society policy and litigation strategy concerning forensic science matters. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide guidance and support to Society attorneys handling DNA and forensic feature comparison evidence, draft motions (e.g., oppositions to compel DNA, pretrial suppression and Frye motions), research controlling case law, develop litigation strategies, coordinate and participate in meetings with laboratories and defense experts, assist with trial preparation, and second-seat trials, where appropriate 
• Represent clients pertaining to matters where DNA evidence or other forensic feature comparison methods are involved 
• Provide in-house and external training on DNA analysis and forensic feature comparisons  
• Provide back-up support for other DNA Unit attorneys 
• Keep up with novel advanced DNA technologies and novel forensic feature comparison methodologies and techniques 
• Advocate for policy changes, as needed 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required qualifications: 

• Admission to New York State Bar  
• Experience handling felony caseload 
• Science background preferred 
• Substantial background in forensics, or the demonstrated aptitude and willingness to acquire such knowledge and to maintain expertise, particularly in such areas as statistics  
• Excellent oral advocacy, research and writing skills  
• Excellent ability to train other staff  
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a citywide team 

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. 

  

Salary