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.

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

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  

Thi s 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.

To apply, please c lick APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document. If you would prefer to send in a video or audio statement in lieu of a cover letter, you may upload your resume as a document and separately upload a video or audio statement instead of a cover letter. Your cover letter or video/audio statement should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Your cover letter may be up to one page if written or up to 3 minutes if an audio/video statement. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume. If selected for the position, your resume will be used to determine your salary based on the number of years of directly relevant professional experience; we therefore encourage you to ensure your resume is up to date. Please remember that you may submit a written cover letter or an audio/video statement, but not both, and applications without either will not be considered. 

Applications will be accepted through July 12, 2024 . Please contact Marterra Walker, Managing Director of Administration, via email at with any questions regarding the position.

The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent and those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we work with.