Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking to promote one or more experienced criminal defense attorneys to the position of Supervising Attorney in the general practice teams of the Criminal Defense Practice.

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 Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse complex and multi-faceted legal 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.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of a Managing Director the Supervising Attorney will:

• Supervise a team of attorneys.
• Helpattorneysreachtheir potential and ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. This includes utilizing the expertise of team members other supervisors and specialized attorneys to create a collaborative environment of growth and learning for all attorneys.
• Proactivelyseektocreateanequitableandinclusiveworkenvironment.
• Reviewcasesidentifyissuesadviseandassistattorneysinprovidingthebestpossible representation from the inception of cases to potential hearings and trial.
• Teachandcoachattorneystohelpthemgrowtheirknowledgeskillsandfurthertheir professional development.
• AssistattorneysincommunicatingwiththeCourtDAsorclientswhenproblematic situations arise including directly intervening when necessary.
• Evaluateattorneyperformancebothformallyandinformallyandregularlyprovide appropriate feedback.
• UseBDSresourcestoassistattorneysandclients. Assistattorneysinworkingeffectively with social workers investigators paralegals support staff and other practice areas.
• Ensureattorneysarefulfillingtheircasemanagementresponsibilitiesandassistattorneysin navigating changing technology.
• Assistwithpracticemanagementincludingensuringcasecoverageandhelpingwithother administrative tasks.
• KnowandapplyBDSpoliciesandproceduresincludingpersonnelandofficepolicies.
• Carry a reduced caseload.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Atleast9yearsofcriminaldefenseexperience(graduatedlawschoolnolaterthan 2016).
• At least two years in the criminal practice at BDS.
• Excellent problem-solving skillsin a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity equity inclusion and belonging for all staff and clients of BDS.
• Demonstrated commitmenttoclient-centeredrepresentation.
• Ability and desire to train teach and help attorneys reach their full potential as an effective advocate for their clients through any personal challenges that affect their work and to promote their professional development.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the criminal defense practice and throughout BDS as a whole.

Position Information

This is an exempt salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDSs offices and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of approximately $128000-$145000 depending on the applicants education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement 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 Now to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by October 28 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 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