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

Trial Attorneys

Job Announcement for:
Trial Attorney
Salary range: $115,440 to $195,100+ benefits
Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

Federal Defenders of New York (FDNY) is seeking applicants for a full-time Trial Attorney. The position is stationed in our Central Islip office, which is in the United States District Courthouse in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY). The candidate selected for this role will occasionally travel to our other EDNY office located in Brooklyn, as well as to our Southern District of New York (SDNY) offices, located in Manhattan and White Plains.

Who are we?

FDNY is a community defender organization that provides legal representation to indigent persons accused of federal crimes in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. We are not a government agency, and our employees are not government employees. Our mission is straightforward: although we provide our services free of cost, our clients should receive the finest legal representation available at any price. We are looking for someone who is committed to equal justice and willing to fight vigorously for those accused of crimes.

About the role: essential duties & responsibilities

As a trial attorney you will join a small, collaborative office of six individuals, staffed by three attorneys, an investigator, a social worker, and an office administrator. Led under the direct supervision of the Eastern District Attorney-In-Charge, you will represent clients accused of federal crimes through all phases of litigation. Your work will be comprised of a diverse caseload almost exclusively pending in the Federal District Court in Central Islip, including violent crime, drug trafficking, immigration-related offenses, fraud and internet-related crimes, including child pornography.

Although the pace of your days will vary, as a trial attorney in the Central Islip office you will also work closely with our Brooklyn teams, leveraging the experience and expertise of additional attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers and support staff. You will also frequently collaborate with and attend trainings and conferences with FDNY staff in the Manhattan and White Plains locations as well.

Who you are

  • An attorney who values camaraderie, collaboration, and zealous client advocacy

  • Have a minimum of three years of legal experience post J.D., with a focus on criminal defense, litigation, and trial experience in federal or state court

  • Be a licensed and active member in good standing of the New York State Bar or upon hire gain admission to practice in New York State

  • Courtroom experience including suppression hearings and oral arguments

  • Display proficiency in legal research, analysis, and legal writing

  • A self-starter comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and able to navigate shifting demands when urgent legal needs arise

  • Have a thorough understanding of Microsoft Systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Lexis Nexis, Adobe Acrobat, and Westlaw. Experience with PACER, and tools such as Cellebrite, are a bonus

  • Fluency or professional proficiency in Spanish and other languages is a plus

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $115,440 to $195,100. This range is consistent with the federal pay-scale and is commensurate with the experience of the candidate.

FDNY also offers excellent employer benefits, some of which include:

  • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave

  • Federal paid holidays

  • Health insurance, including medical/dental/vision

  • Group Life Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Transit Subsidy Program

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Legal training & workshops for CLE credit

Federal Defenders 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 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.

Ready to join us in the fight for justice? To apply, all qualified and interested applicants must electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to our application portal.

All materials should be addressed to Executive Director, Tamara Giwa. Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Phone calls and faxes will not be accepted.

The priority application deadline is September 26, 2025. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is strongly encouraged.