Team Administrator

The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate administrative professional with a commitment to social justice to fill a position as a Team Administrator. 

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 represent.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family, 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.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Managing Director of Administration, Team Administrators play a crucial role in supporting attorneys and advocates by maintaining and managing client and case information. 

● Inform the people we represent about important issues including but not limited to missed court appearances, change of court date and the reassignment of counsel

● Draft notices of appeal for the Criminal Defense Practice

● Schedule video conferences for all practices

● Order and retrieve court transcripts for the Criminal and Family Defense Practices

● File motions in the District Attorney's office and in Criminal Court 

● Request and copy case records for the Criminal Defense, Family Defense and Civil Action Practices

● Provide clerical support such as faxing, scanning and copying documents

● Obtain criminal history and record information using tools such as CRIMS and webCRIMS

● Request that incarcerated clients be produced for counsel visits and court appearances

● Maintain functional working conditions for the team by ensuring printers and Xerox copiers are working properly, stocking supplies, and organizing files and storage spaces

● Assist with overnight mailing requests

● Provide notary services

● Electronically organize and update cases 

● Provide efficient and timely data entry returning case files to staff within 24 hours of receipt  

● Maintain accurate client contact information

● Maintain warrant files and electronically re-open bench warrant cases when necessary

● Send and request physical files from archiving site

● Run periodic Dead Case Reports for staff caseloads and update cases as necessary

Qualifications 

To be eligible, candidates must have:

● Minimum of two years working in an administrative capacity

Candidates must demonstrate:

● Commitment to social justice issues and interest in supporting low-income individuals entangled in carceral systems 

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

● 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 

● Strong verbal and written 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

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

This is an in person position that requires contact with staff and community members. 

Salary is commensurate with experience.  For candidates with 2- 5 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $52,904 to $57,867. 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.  

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.