Job Description

WARREN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE 
NOTICE OF VACANCY

LAW INTERN

The Public Defender’s Office currently has a vacancy for the position of Law Intern.  This position is designed for law school graduates who are taking the steps necessary to be admitted to practice law in New York.  Graduates looking to learn the skills necessary for criminal defense work, and who are studying for the bar exam, or awaiting exam results and character and fitness determinations from the Appellate Division, are all welcome to apply.  The intern will render and perform legal services as authorized under sections 478 and 484 of the Judiciary Law, and in accordance with 22 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 805.  The intern will conduct public defense related legal work based upon the current needs of the Public Defender’s Office, and under the direct supervision of an attorney with the appropriate level of experience. 

Upon passage of the NYS Bar Exam and admission by the Appellate Division to practice as a licensed attorney in New York State, the Law Intern may be considered for full time employment as an entry level Assistant Public Defender.  The Public Defender will determine whether the Law Intern’s performance has met or exceeded the department’s expectations.  Based upon this determination, the intern may be offered full time employment to practice in the department, without further need of direct attorney supervision, and at an increased salary rate.

SALARY:  $74,865 annually + benefits (12 paid holidays, paid sick time, personal days, 10 vacation days, flexible hours, potential remote work when feasible, health insurance, pension, retirement plan, and potential for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (“PSLF”), paid Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses, covered law license renewal fees).   

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: 

• Research legal issues and draft memoranda of law;
• Review case materials such as charging documents, supporting depositions and witness statements, law enforcement body worn camera footage, photographs, items seized pursuant to judicially issued search warrants, and Grand Jury transcripts;
• Assist attorneys in preparing cases for pretrial hearings and trial;
• Attend court conferences and assist with or participate in plea negotiations;
• Draft and file motion papers where appropriate under attorney supervision;
• Observe the various phases of a criminal action including arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, pretrial hearings, oral argument, jury selection, and jury trials;
• Communicate with clients and visit clients in custody at the county jail;
• Represent clients in basic court proceedings, such as arraignments, under direct supervision; 
• Download and organize electronic discovery materials provided by the District Attorney’s Office.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Knowledge of New York State’s Criminal Procedure Law and Penal Law; 
• Familiarity with local criminal court procedures and New York’s rules of evidence;
• Skill in drafting motion papers, briefs, and affidavits; 
• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal research;
• Use of effective communication skills to establish rapport with clients;
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles clients’ criminal matters; 
• Ability to persuade others, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in the office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Graduation from an accredited law school.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Appointee must meet eligibility requirements specified in Jud. L. §§ 478 and 484, and 22 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 805; and
2. Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s License or otherwise demonstrate an ability to meet the applicable transportation needs of the position, e.g., ability to travel to various local courts throughout Warren County.

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, resume, and references to:

Gregory V. Canale, Esq., Warren County Public Defender
c/o Erin K. Komon, Esq.
Warren County Public Defender’s Office
1340 State Route 9, Lake George, New York 12845
komone@warrencountyny.gov

Warren County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Local area, Remote job, Flexible hours,

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