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. 

Criminal Defense Practice   

The Bronx is one of the most aggressively policed boroughs in New York City. As a result, we represent thousands of people each year, nearly 40% of whom are charged with low-level offenses such as shoplifting, traffic offenses, and drug possession. As part of our holistic approach, we spend time getting to know the people we represent and gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and needs. With that understanding, we advocate for people by thoroughly investigating their cases, raising novel legal arguments, using creative tools of persuasion and storytelling, and addressing needs that go beyond the scope of their cases.    

Reporting to the Administrative Director, the Court Coordinator works collaboratively with lawyers, social workers and advocates to provide the people we represent with in-court support and assistance while serving as a liaison between the court and the office.  

• Coordinate with Department of Corrections (DOC) staff to check the production status of the people we represent  

• Notify attorneys when the people they represent are produced in court 

• Maintain the organization, cleanliness and utility of The Bronx Defenders Court Office and Bronx Defenders Correctional Area 

• Ensure both areas are fully stocked every morning and afternoon 

• Check, maintain, and order office supplies for both areas 

• Test printers, copier machines, and Wi-Fi hotspots daily and contact the Information Technology (IT) department if they are out of service 

• Ensure all confidential documents that need to be discarded are shredded and disposed of properly 

• Ensure the Audio Visual Cart is available 

• Retrieve documents, such as same day transcripts, from the courthouse and discovery materials from the Bronx District Attorney’s Office 

• Notary License or ability to obtain one within six months of hire, funded by The Bronx Defenders 

Candidates must demonstrate: 

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

• Experience working in and with racially, ethnically and socioeconomically marginalized communities  

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

• Effective verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers 

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

• Meticulous attention to detail 

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

• Ability to become a licensed notary within 3 months of employment, with all relevant fees paid by The Bronx Defenders 

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

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

• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level 

Preferred, but not required: 

• Spanish proficiency 

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.  

Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-5 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $51,592 to $56,732. 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. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended. 

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.