Staff Attorney, DNA Unit - New York, NY

The Legal Aid Society is looking for Staff Attorney, DNA Unit - New York, NY in New York, NY.
This local job opportunity with ID 3707228377 is live since 2026-06-09 20:20:59.
Back Staff Attorney, DNA Unit #26-21 New York, New York, United States Apply X Facebook LinkedIn Email Copy Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed Jun 03, 2026 Job Description

The Criminal Defense Practice of The Legal Aid Society has openings for a Staff Attorney in its DNA Forensics Unit. The positions are in our Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens Trial Offices.

The DNA Unit was created in 2013 to provide citywide training, support and resources to attorneys whose clients are charged with forensic evidence, including DNA, fingerprint, ballistics, firearm and toolmark analysis. Staff Attorneys in the DNA Forensics 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, assist in drafting motions (e.g., oppositions to compel DNA, pretrial suppression, 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 other forensic feature comparisons.
• Provide back-up support for other DNA Forensics Unit attorneys (citywide), as needed
• Keep up with novel advanced DNA technologies and novel forensic feature comparison methodologies and techniques
• Working substantially and collegially with others, including but not limited to Society attorneys, criminal legal system stakeholders (i.e., laboratories), and other defense organizations
• Advocate for policy changes, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Admission to New York State Bar
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including experience handling felony caseload, preferred

Preferred qualifications:

• 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 forensic biology and statistics
• Excellent and clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex issues into clear and concise principles
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; must be able to coordinate responsibilities with the 2nd DNA Forensics resource attorney in the borough
• Excellent oral advocacy, research and writing skills
• Excellent ability to train other staff
• Excellent judgment
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively and respectfully within 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 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.

studentaid.gov

hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)

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