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Neighborhood Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County

Program Administrator -099605

Detroit, MI · On-site

The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office. Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program ...

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Social Worker

Detroit, MI · On-site

$57K - $93K/yr

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge ...

Wayne County

Program Administrator -099605

Detroit, MI · On-site

The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office. Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program ...

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Social Worker

Detroit, MI · On-site

$57K - $95K/yr

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge ...

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Social Worker

Detroit, MI · On-site

$57K - $95K/yr

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge ...

Wayne County Government

Program Administrator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$63K - $101K/yr

The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office. Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program ...

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All JobsNeighborhood Defender Service Jobs

Neighborhood Defender Service information

See salary details

$19K

$53.8K

$101.5K

How much do neighborhood defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for neighborhood defender service in the United States is $53,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of cases and clients does a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney typically handle on a daily basis?

Neighborhood Defender Service attorneys primarily represent clients facing criminal charges, often from underserved communities. On a daily basis, they handle a diverse caseload ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may also address related civil or family matters that impact their clients’ lives. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, and support staff to provide holistic defense, which can include advocating for clients in court, negotiating with prosecutors, and connecting clients to social services. The collaborative, team-based environment emphasizes both legal advocacy and addressing the broader needs of clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney, you need a strong background in criminal law, legal research, and courtroom advocacy, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with case management software, electronic legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and e-filing systems is important. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and a commitment to social justice help build trust with clients and work effectively in diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality, client-centered defense and achieving fair legal outcomes.

What is a Neighborhood Defender Service?

A Neighborhood Defender Service is a community-based public defense organization that provides legal representation to people who cannot afford a private attorney, often focusing on underserved neighborhoods. These services not only handle criminal cases but may also assist with related civil and family matters, aiming to address the broader issues that affect clients' lives. Their holistic approach seeks to reduce the negative impact of involvement with the justice system by working closely with clients, their families, and the community. Neighborhood Defender Services are committed to promoting fair treatment and justice for all members of the community.

What is the difference between Neighborhood Defender Service vs Public Defender?

AspectNeighborhood Defender ServicePublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentNonprofit legal organization, community-focusedGovernment agency, courtroom and office settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofit sector, criminal defenseGovernment sector, criminal defense
Common Search/ComparisonNeighborhood Defender Service vs Public Defender

Both roles require a Juris Doctor degree and a state bar license, focusing on criminal defense. The Neighborhood Defender Service operates as a nonprofit organization emphasizing community-based legal support, while Public Defenders work within government agencies representing indigent clients. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right environment and career path in criminal defense law.

More about Neighborhood Defender Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Neighborhood Defender Service jobs? Cities with the most Neighborhood Defender Service job openings:
What job categories do people searching Neighborhood Defender Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Neighborhood Defender Service jobs are:
Neighborhood Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Neighborhood Defender Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,796 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Staff Attorney - Criminal Defense Team

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview
Job Title: Staff Attorney - Criminal Defense Team
Department: Criminal Defense Practice
Location: New York
Reports To: Supervising Attorney
Position Type: Full-Time
Union Status: Union eligible
FLSA Status: Exempt
About NDS:
Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.
Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients-before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution-while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.
Core Purpose of the Role:
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. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients.
Responsibilities
  • Provide representation with energy and enthusiasm to residents of Northern Manhattan in Manhattan's criminal courts;
  • Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, grand jury presentations, legal arguments, hearings and trials;
  • Interview clients and their families in the Harlem office or local jails, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, motions and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients;
  • Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, team
  • administrators and interns);
  • Work with cross-practice colleagues (family defense, immigration defense, housing defense and other civil defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients;
  • File motions, briefs and other related documents on a frequent and timely basis;
  • Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations and arguments in criminal cases;
  • Work frequently at NDS' main office in Central Harlem when not in Court.
  • Ability to collaborate with and provide mentorship to less experienced staff;
  • Responsiveness and ability to communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress.

Qualifications
Required
  • License to practice law in the State of New York and/or the ability to obtain pra hac vice admission until barred in New York;
  • Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Northern Manhattan communities;
  • Must possess the high level of organizational and administrative skills required to handle a challenging caseload;
  • Must possess strong writing skills.

Preferred
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience. The current salary range for this position is $84,347- $169,781. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.
SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE
1-5 Years
$84,347 - $94,201
6-10 Years
$97,027 - $111,326
11 - 15 Years
$118,005 - $132,126
16 -30 Years
$133,157 - $169,781
  • Full medical and dental benefits
  • Retirement plan with company match up to 5%
  • Robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided

How to apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume through NDS's website at neighborhooddefender.org/careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply.
Min
USD $84,347.00/Yr.
Max
USD $169,781.00/Yr.

Apply