The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we defend. 

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, child welfare, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We take what we learn from the people we represent and communities that we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

OPEN POSITIONS 

Entry-Level Attorney Positions - Training Team 2025 

Application period has closed 

Every year, from May through October, The Bronx Defenders accepts applications from third-year law students and recent graduates for our criminal, family, and civil practices. Interviews will take place through the beginning of December and the selected interdisciplinary class of entry-level attorneys and advocates starts in September of the following year.    

Lateral/Experienced Attorney Applicants 

We are currently accepting applications for lateral staff attorney positions in our Civil Action Practice and Family Defense Practice. Please see the related job announcements below for details on the available positions and the application process. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified  
 
 

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply for positions with The Bronx Defenders, please view our Job Listings below, select the position(s) of interest, and follow the instructions to apply. Please be sure to upload both a resume and a cover letter together as a single document or a video/audio statement in lieu of a cover letter when prompted. Your cover letter or video/audio statement should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Your cover letter may be up to one page if written or up to 3 minutes if an audio/video statement. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume.  If selected for the position, your resume will be used to determine your salary based on your number of years of directly relevant professional experience; we therefore encourage you to ensure it is up to date. Applications missing any components or not submitted in the requested manner will not be considered. 

If you encounter difficulty, please click the Applications FAQ link at the bottom of the page. 

For additional questions regarding employment opportunities at The Bronx Defenders, please contact Lecelott Rosario, Recruiting & Hiring Associate, at lecelottr@bronxdefenders.org. No phone calls, please. 

The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who are directly impacted by criminal, civil, family and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we work with.