Overview

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks Paralegals to join our Criminal Defense Practice in the Queens Office.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities.

BDS’ Criminal Defense Practice zealously defends people who are accused of a crime in Queens, fighting to protect the individual rights of clients’ and minimize harm from involvement with the criminal legal system. BDS’ staff consists of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client. Our paralegal unit works closely with attorneys to provide legal, logistical and client-facing support throughout the pendency of a criminal case.

Responsibilities

    • Assist clients by providing them with information about issues such as court appearances, warrants, program referrals, and compliance.
    • Draft, serve, and file legal documents including subpoenas, notices of entry, and notices of appeal.
    • Prepare and submit requests for legal documents including transcripts, certificates of disposition, and property releases.
    • Collect motion exhibits, compile motion papers, and serve and file motions.
    • Provide hearing and trial support to attorneys.
    • Manage and organize electronic case files.
    • Collaborate with other BDS staff including attorneys, social workers, and investigators.
    • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

    • Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, 2 years of finished college courses or equivalent work experience.
    • Prior experience as a paralegal is a plus.
    • Strong organizational skills.
    • Good written and oral communications skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
    • Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely.
    • Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) or ability to learn these applications.

Position Information

This is a non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s Queens Office.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $63,113 – $68,738 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. BDS supports work/life balance with family-friendly policies including generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions

Please visit our career center to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by August 22, 2025.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.

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