Entry Level Attorney Criminal Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Entry Level Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice.

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 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 directly represent clients who have been arrested and facing criminal charges. BDS provides a comprehensive training program for entrylevel attorneys. This is followed by a period of time where they handle misdemeanor cases with supervision and then gradually move on to more and more serious cases.

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 Attorneys 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

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree ideally with trial advocacy evidence ethics criminal law and criminal procedure courses.
• Experience in a law school clinical program or a public defense internship involving client representation is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest as expressed by coursework internships and extracurricular activities.
• Excellent litigation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in a second language is a plus.

Position Information

This is a 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.

Application Instructions

Click Apply to submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Richard LaFontaine Esq. Director of Recruiting via our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. BDS recommends submitting your application by December 31 2024.

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 yourequirean accommodation due to a disability or another reason please contact the Managing Director of Human Resources Christina Wallace atcwallace @ bds