ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Neighborhood Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County Government

Program Administrator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$63K/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 ...

Miller Nash

IT Infrastructure Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

... Defender. * Implement security best practices, including patching, vulnerability management ... neighborhood with highly effective private security and cleaning services. Interested? If you are ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 12, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,796 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special Litigation

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$84K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview
Job Title: Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special Litigation
Department: Immigration Defense Team
Location: NYC
Reports To: Managing Attorney for the Immigration Defense
Position Type: Temporary 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:
NDS's immigration team seeks 1-year temporary Staff Attorney, Special Litigation to begin immediately. NDS specifically seeks applicants experienced in special litigation to provide support for motions to reopen/reconsider, appeals, and our habeas practice. This position will also include a small removal defense/affirmative case load for direct representation. The ideal candidate will have had experience in
special litigation, including drafting and arguing in federal district court.
Applicants must demonstrate an interest in immigration advocacy and the holistic defense of noncitizens caught up in the criminal legal system and families facing child removal.
Responsibilities
  1. Embrace NDS' philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.
  2. Provide vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to clients.
  3. Advise non-citizen clients regarding the full range of immigration consequences associated with contacts with the criminal legal system and consult with the criminal defense attorneys to mitigate potential immigration consequences.
  4. Interview clients and their families, conduct legal research, and write pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients.
  5. Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, legal advocate, team administrators, and interns).
  6. Work with criminal defense attorneys to obtain meaningful, comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
  7. File federal litigation and appeals including Petitions for Review, habeas petitions, motions, briefs, and other related documents on a frequent and timely basis, developing and advancing novel arguments for relief or release, such as challenging Asylum Cooperative Agreement dismissals, mandatory detention, third-country removals, and violations of due process.
  8. Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations and arguments in criminal cases.
  9. Engage in community-oriented know-your-rights and other training and outreach as necessary.
  10. Engage in policy work, including attending coalition meetings, based on need.
  11. Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress.

Qualifications
  1. A demonstrated commitment to criminal and immigration justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice issues, and a substantive understanding of the biases impacting our clients.
  2. An ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities.
  3. 1-5 years experience representing clients in immigration proceedings and knowledge of immigration procedure.
  4. A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects, and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve goals.
  5. A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
  6. Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  7. An ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
  8. A license to practice law in New York or in another state. Attorneys admitted to the New York Bar and with experience in immigration court are strongly encouraged to apply.
  9. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred.

Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. 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. The position will end one year after the start date of employment.
SALARY RANGE BASED ON DIRECTLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
1 - 5 Years
$84,347.74 - $94,201.77
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF through NDS's website at neighborhood defender careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at About NDS.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
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 $84,347.74/Yr.
Max
USD $94,201.77/Yr.

Apply