Description

Assistant Public Defender

St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office
Canton, New York

Starting Salary: $83,587–$103,316 
Benefits: Health and dental insurance New York State Retirement System Paid vacation and holidays Union representation

Make a Difference From Day One

The St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office is seeking an attorney to join our team as an Assistant Public Defender. Whether you are a newly admitted attorney or an experienced advocate looking for meaningful work, this position offers immediate courtroom experience, close mentorship, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of your clients.

This is a unique mixed practice that combines Family Court and Criminal Defense, providing broad litigation experience and the opportunity to develop strong trial advocacy skills, Client contact and 

What You'll Do

Family Court

Represent clients in matters including:

Child custody and visitation
Child abuse and neglect (Article 10)
Termination of parental rights and permanent neglect proceedings
Family offense proceedings
Paternity
Child support violations
Criminal Defense

Represent clients charged with:

Violations
Misdemeanors
Felonies, primarily in local justice courts
Across both practice areas, attorneys:

Conduct hearings and trials
Negotiate resolutions and participate in settlement conferences
Draft motions and legal memoranda
Conduct legal research
Meet regularly with clients and provide compassionate, client-centered representation
What We're Looking For

We welcome applicants who are passionate about public service and committed to providing high-quality legal representation.

Qualifications

Admitted to practice in New York State, or pending admission to the New York State Bar
Strong written and oral advocacy skills
Interest in litigation and courtroom practice
Commitment to serving indigent clients
No prior experience is required. We provide training, mentorship, and support to help new attorneys succeed.

Why Join Our Office?

Our office consists of:

10 attorneys
We value collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. New attorneys gain significant courtroom experience while working alongside experienced public defenders who are committed to helping colleagues develop as advocates.

Live and Work in Northern New York

Located in Canton, New York, St. Lawrence County offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and vibrant college communities.

Canton is home to St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, and is just minutes from Potsdam, home to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. Montreal, Ottawa, Burlington, Vermont, and Lake Placid are all within a comfortable drive, offering convenient access to world-class dining, culture, and recreation.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $83,587 – $103,316, depending on qualifications
Health and dental insurance
Membership in the New York State Retirement System
Paid vacation and holidays
Additional benefits under the collective bargaining agreement
Membership in the St. Lawrence County Indigent Defenders Union
Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: Jmcgahan@stlawco.gov

Requirements

Admission to NYS Bar.