Staff Attorney, Parole Revocation Defense Unit

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice has openings in the Parole Revocation Defense Unit (PRDU) for Staff Attorneys beginning in the Fall of 2026. A PRDU Staff Attorney represents clients accused of violating their conditions of release at administrative parole revocation hearings and recognizance hearings held in the criminal and supreme courts, federal detention facilities, hospital prison wards and, where applicable, local correctional facilities throughout New York City. The Staff Attorney also appears on behalf of clients at related habeas corpus proceedings, administrative and local criminal court appeals, and other post‐conviction proceedings. The practice is fast‐paced and litigation‐intensive.

 

PRDU maintains offices at 260 East 161st and 199 Water Street but attorneys spend significant amounts of time in courtrooms in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for handling parole revocation at all stages, including recognizance hearings, preliminary hearings, calendar appearances, discovery practice, negotiations, contested hearings, administrative appeals, and post‐ conviction hearings
• Work with unit support staff, paralegals, and investigative staff to provide zealous and effective defense representation
• Partner with PRDU social work team to identify and develop mitigation for clients who have mental health and/or substance abuse issues, medical needs, or who are otherwise suitable for alternatives to incarceration
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Required qualifications:

• New York State Bar Admission. Those applicants who have pending applications for the NYS bar or are a law school graduate in May 2026 and have sat or are registered to sit for the July 2026 NYS bar examination, the March and/or August 2026 MPRE, and the August 2026 NYLE will be considered
• 2 years of relevant experience, or more, preferred
• Strong courtroom skills
• A background in criminal and/or administrative law or prison-related litigation is particularly relevant
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred

 

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 Range: $84,000 - $152,500

  

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits. 

  

Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness 

The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.