Family Defense Practice Seeks Entry Level Attorney Candidates

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks rising thirdyear law students judicial law clerks and recent law school graduates for Entry Level Staff Attorney positions.

BDS is a public defense office representing lowincome 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 Black and brown communities living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse complex and multifaceted 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 housing public benefits education and employment issues.

BDS Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation for parents and caretakers who are accused of neglect or abuse in Brooklyn Family Court. FDPs interdisciplinary staff of attorneys social workers and advocates provide comprehensive representation to parents which includes robust legal representation and intensive social work intervention. FDP staff works closely with BDS other practices to ensure clients have access to a wide range of additional services and resources through our interdisciplinary practice model.

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Attorney attorneys collaborate with social workers paralegals and administrative staff to provide comprehensive legal advocacy and representation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Attend comprehensive training program in the Fall of 2025.
• Develop a caseload over time in which the law graduate/attorney will provide comprehensive and interdisciplinary representation to parents and caretakers facing the removal of children from intake through the life of a case in Brooklyn Family Court as well as occasional final appeals with the assistance of the Law and Appeals unit.
• Pick up cases in intake which is the first appearance for the parties. Attorneys generally maintain the cases they are assigned at intake for the life of the case.
• Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court including emergency hearings seeking family reunification when appropriate.
• Represent their clients in interim appeals.
• Prepare and argue written motions seeking increased visitation family reunification and to achieve other client goals.
• Collaborate with BDS staff from our other practice areas including criminal and civil to forward the goal of holistic services and to provide comprehensive legal assistance to clients.
• Meet regularly with assigned supervisor to review cases and discuss case strategy.
• Attend regular trainings and meetings to build litigation skills and develop substantive knowledge.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class on September 8 2025.
• Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
• A strong desire to advocate on behalf of people who are facing family separation or other systems involved communities.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the practice and throughout BDS.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

• Ability to work in a high stress environment multitask and be flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a highneeds caseload including an ability to prioritize tasks where requests and deadlines are often on short notice.

Position Information

This is an exempt salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am5pm. The position is based at BDSs offices and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn. There is a threeday per week inperson requirement for all attorneys. Attorneys are also expected to handle all their own cases in court as well as meet with clients as needed even if that results in additional days inperson. (This generally results in more than three inperson days for most attorneys). Applicants should be aware that the inperson requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $81000$157261 depending on the applicants education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and familyfriendly policies BDS has generous vacation sick holiday family and medical leave policies.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidatesof 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 H.R. Christina Wallace at