Overview

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a receptionist 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.

Responsibilities

    • Client Reception and Intake Services
    • Greet clients and visitors in person in a professional and respectful manner.
    • Collect basic information and/or case details, identify the client’s needs (legal support or administrative help), and direct clients to the appropriate staff or department.
    • Interface with our case management system to gather details and provide case information.
    • Allow access to employees in the building and assist security staff members.
    • Telephone Communication
    • Answer multi-line phone systems and transfer calls appropriately.
    • Take detailed messages and relay them to attorneys and other staff members.
    • Provide general information about office hours, locations, and programming without providing legal advice.
    • Assist in communication between the office, courts, other locations, and external agencies.
    • Document Management
    • Receive, date-stamp, and route incoming mail and legal documents to the appropriate mailboxes.
    • Office Organization
    • Responsible for the organization of the front desk and reception area.
    • Maintain MetroCard logs and other report logs.
    • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

    • High school diploma or relevant work experience.
    • Previous experience in a receptionist, customer service, or administrative role preferred.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
    • Good written and verbal communication skills.
    • Strong organizational skills.
    • Ability to work well under pressure in fast-paced environment.
    • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
    • Proficiency in a second language other than English is a plus.

Position Information

This is a non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 10am-6pm. The position is based at BDS’s Queens Office. This position is 5 days per week in-person.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $59,113 – $63,613 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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