ABOUT THE BRONX DEFENDERS
The Bronx Defenders provides free legal representation and an array of supportive services to clients and their families to Bronx residents involved in the criminal justice system. In 1997, with eight advocates on staff, we opened our doors intent on helping residents of one of the most economically depressed and under-resourced communities in New York City. That small group of pioneers founded a new practice to address the failures and limitations of the traditional public defense model, a one-size-fits-all approach, embedded in a system with an over-reliance on incarceration.
The Bronx Defenders’ Holistic Defense model brings lawyers, social workers, community organizers and other advocates under one roof. We know that an arrest is never just an arrest. Our professional, experienced and compassionate team dig in and address the root causes of each client’s involvement with the justice system; guiding some of the poorest New Yorkers through times of crisis and onto a pathway of growth and opportunity.
OVERVIEW
Arraignment clerks work on the front lines of our client representation, side by side with our criminal defense attorneys. Arraignment clerks work either in an arraignment courtrooms in Bronx Criminal Court or at The Bronx Defenders office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Arraignment clerks are responsible for the smooth functioning of the intake process for our clients and attorneys. Responsibilities of arraignment clerks include opening cases in our case management system, closing cases, conflict checking, docketing, filing, and scanning. Clerks regularly liaise with court personnel, including court clerks, staff from the District Attorney’s office, court officers, police officers, and corrections officers. Once client are assigned to The Bronx Defenders, clerks are responsible for ensuring that all of our advocates have access to the client and case information by entering data into our case management system in a timely and accurate manner.
Arraignment clerks also provide general administrative support, which may include front desk reception support, clerical projects, and general office responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
A commitment to clients and the ability to engage in team-based collaboration is essential to any position at The Bronx Defenders. Confidentiality, respect, and discretion are imperative.
Other qualifications include an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in criminal justice or an allied field; one (1) year of general office or legal clerical experience; excellent organizational, teamwork/customer service skills; and keyboarding at forty (40) words per minute OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter electronically via email to jobs@bronxdefenders.org by the end of business on May 31, 2016 and put “Arraignment Clerk” in the subject line. Resumes will only be accepted electronically. No faxes or phone calls please.
The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer: People of color; women; people with disabilities; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; and people with personal/familial experience with the criminal justice and family court system are welcome and encouraged to apply. This position is a non-exempt position.