Experienced Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Experienced Attorney’s for the Criminal Practice’s legal team. 

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact people in Brooklyn who are primarily Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) living below the poverty level. 

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 in Brooklyn. 

BDS’ Criminal Defense Practice zealously defends people who are accused of a crime in Brooklyn, 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, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client.   

Under the direct supervision of a Supervising Attorney, attorneys defend clients against criminal charges in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts. 

Responsibilities

• Directly represent clients in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea or trial. 
• Foster strong attorney/client relationships.
• Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary case teams with social workers, investigators, paralegals and admins.
• Participate in a rotation to staff court arraignment shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Criminal and Supreme Courts, as well as collateral administrative tribunals.
• Prepare and argue written motions, argue in court regarding discovery, answer legal motions filed by the District Attorney’s office and other legal written and oral arguments in cases assigned to the attorney. 
• Collaborate with other BDS staff from our housing, immigration, family defense and education practices to provide comprehensive assistance to clients.
• Meet regularly with supervisor to review caseload, discuss case strategy, and prepare for trial.
• Be an advisor to the client when decisions are made about the case. 
• Meet with family members or other support networks as client requests.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Member of the New York Bar, or ability to become admitted.
• Two years or more experience as a practicing public defender or other criminal defense experience.
• Must have an appreciation of, and ability to relate to, the obstacles faced by our indigent clients, both in their Brooklyn neighborhoods and in negotiating the vagaries of New York’s criminal justice system. 
• Candidates whose own background and experience reflect the diversity of Brooklyn’s communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Must have completed all commitments to your current employer at time of hire.
• Excellent litigation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual English and Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn At time of posting, BDS staff are working a hybrid schedule of remote and in-person work. Applicants should be prepared to move flexibly between in-person and remote work as policies and needs shift. All BDS employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or be eligible for a religious or health exemption. 

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range from $74,000-$157,040. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.  

Application Instructions
Click “Apply” to submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. BDS recommends submitting your application by December 31, 2021. 

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 Director of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org