Arraignment Team Administrator - Criminal Defense Practice

Overview

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing civil, criminal and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS is now accepting applications for the position of Arraignment Team Administrator with the Criminal Defense Practice.  

The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and team administrators. NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. The Arraignment Team Administrator supports the attorneys working in Manhattan Criminal Court’s arraignment courtrooms.

Responsibilities

• Enter data regarding NDS’ assigned Criminal Defense Practice clients and cases promptly, accurately, and completely into the case management system; 
• Maintain the integrity of the database;
• Assist in the preparation of data reports required by New York City and New York State;
• Maintain equipment, including laptop computer, tablet, as well as courtroom supplies;
• Create case files, assemble and scan documents;
• Send out daily referral emails to other NDS practices; 
• Maintain and reconcile client Metro-Card log;
• Have a daily physical presence in arraignments and our downtown office; and
• Foster communication between various team members. 

Qualifications

• Must possess experience in word processing and a basic knowledge of computer usage in a network environment;
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications
• Must possess strong organizational skills in order to manage a high caseload and multi-task in a very fast-paced environment;
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• Applicants must possess a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Harlem communities;
• Must be a college graduate;
• Must be available to work in person Monday -Friday as this is not a remote position; and
• Must be able to work cooperatively in a team setting.