Serving Clients in the Second Circuit and the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York

First Step Act and Post-Conviction Secondment

Opportunity: First Step Act and Post-Conviction Secondment for a Current Law Firm Associate
Duration: 6 – 12 months
Posting date: June 2025

Federal Defenders of New York (FDNY) has an opening for a senior associate employed by a New York City law firm to work as a secondee for 6 – 12 months in our office handling First Step Act and post-conviction matters in the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. The First Step Act of 2018 returned discretion to federal district courts to modify previously imposed sentences when warranted by extraordinary and compelling circumstances. The Act has led to the “compassionate release” of thousands of people who courts determined no longer needed to be incarcerated. In the Second Circuit, courts may consider a wide range of circumstances in determining whether to grant a sentence reduction. Our office plays a vital role in identifying and advocating for individuals that qualify. In the past five years, the vast majority of released individuals have successfully reentered society and performed exceptionally well upon returning home.

About the Role

As a secondee, you will continue to be an employee of your law firm. At FDNY, you will work under the supervision of experienced Federal Defender staff to:

  • Identify appropriate candidates for sentence reduction motions;

  • Develop, draft, and litigate motions for sentence reductions;

  • Engage in additional post-conviction release litigation, such as motions for early termination of supervised release; and

  • Participate in court appearances and appear on the record in court, as needed.

Who You Are

Applicants should have:

  • A demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and sentencing reform;

  • Current employment as a law firm associate and at least three years of experience in that capacity;

  • Strong research and writing skills;

  • The ability to take initiative and work independently;

  • Good interpersonal skills and comfort collaborating with a diversity of clients and teams;

  • Familiarity with the First Step Act, the Sentencing Guidelines, federal criminal procedure, or post-conviction work;

  • Prior experience working with incarcerated clients and prior in-court experience preferred but not required; and

  • Permission from your law firm employer to engage in this secondment.

Federal Defenders of New York is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, as FDNY is dedicated to promoting a work environment that supports and respects all employees, secondees, and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. Our office is committed to building a workplace that embraces different identities, voices, and worldviews—valuing equity and the richness of varied lived experiences.

To Apply

Interested applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples, to our application portal. All materials should be addressed to Tamara Giwa, Executive Director, Federal Defenders of New York, 52 Duane St., New York, NY 10007. Phone calls and emails will not be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled