The Bronx Defenders (BxD) – an innovative, progressive, holistic legal defense office in the South Bronx – seeks an experienced, passionate individual to help lead our programmatic administrative support staff, as the Associate Director of Administration. 

Founded in 1997, The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that has developed a nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense, which provides people with teams of lawyers, social workers, and advocates to defend them zealously in court as well as to address the underlying drivers and enmeshed penalties of legal system involvement.  

Since opening our doors, we have grown into an organization of more than 400 staff members defending nearly 20,000 New Yorkers each year in criminal, family, civil, and immigration proceedings who face incarceration, family separation, eviction, and deportation, among other devastating consequences.   

Today we are reimagining the role of public defense even further, using community organizing and engagement, legislative advocacy, and impact litigation to partner with the communities we represent to bring about long-lasting systemic change.   

We also share our model and lessons learned with current and future public defenders. We run two legal clinics at NYC law schools and train public defenders from one end of the country to the next on how to move to a holistic model of representation.

Reporting to the Legal & Administrative Director and the Managing Director of Administration, the Cross Practice Administrator is responsible for responding to various types of record requests throughout the office and ensuring that client records are received in a timely and organized manner. This includes submitting requests for out-of-borough records, Certificates of Disposition (CODs), and checks as needed to support legal teams across practices. In addition, the Cross Practice Administrator will be tasked with serving legal documents throughout the tri-state area, requiring a high level of coordination, discretion, and attention to detail to ensure time-sensitive materials are delivered accurately and efficiently. 

• Request, pick up, file, and copy essential documentation such as out-of-borough court documents, school records, and other sensitive materials 

• Coordinate and complete check pick-ups, ensuring proper tracking, confidentiality, and secure delivery 

• Create and maintain a reliable tracking system to monitor the status of all record and document requests, ensuring timely follow-up and confirmation of receipt 

• Prepare affidavits of service and other required legal forms with accuracy and attention to procedural details 

• Serve legal documents throughout the tri-state area, requiring excellent time management, discretion, and professional conduct 

• Liaise with courts, agencies, and institutions to follow up on pending requests and resolve issues as needed 

• Complete process server requests, ensuring proper documentation and proof of service in line with legal standards 

• Support cross-practice teams with document handling and general administrative assistance as required 

To be eligible, candidates must have:  

• Process Server License or ability to obtain one within 60 days of commencing work at The Bronx Defenders with all relevant fees paid for by The Bronx Defenders 

Candidates must demonstrate:  

• Commitment to supporting the defense of indigent, system-involved individuals in the Bronx community  

• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with lawyers and non-lawyers   

• Effective organization and time management skills  

• Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment   

• Meticulous attention to detail   

• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences   

• Strong communication skills  

• Ability to think critically and creatively in fast-paced settings, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles   

• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection and shift behavior accordingly  

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters  

• Ability and willingness to become a licensed notary with all relevant fees paid by The Bronx Defenders 

Salary is commensurate with experience.  For candidates with 2-5 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $47,500 to $50,000. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy.  

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.  

This position is non-exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.  

To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and cover letter in one document. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office, as well as some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position. Your resume will be used to determine your salary based on the number of years of directly relevant professional experience and should include all relevant professional experience. Applications without a written cover letter will not be considered.    

Applications will be accepted through July 4th, 2025.

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 identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent and those 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.