Policy and Litigation Paralegal, Civil Rights and Law Reform

Brooklyn, NY - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 63113 - 68738

Posted on: 19 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a paralegal to assist theCivil Rights and Law Reform and Policy & Advocate units.

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.

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.

The Civil Rights and Law Reform unit (Law Reform) works across BDSs practice areas to identify target and reform barriers that impede access to justice for the people BDS represents. Through strategic federal and state litigation on behalf of both classes and individual people we challenge government actions that systematically harms the people we serve. We work closely with our Jail Services team to advocate for systemic changes to protect the constitutional and human rights of the people incarcerated in New York City jails. We also partner with BDSs Immigration Practice to fight unlawful detention and deportation.

BDS Policy & Advocacy team harnesses legal expertise and experience to advocate for change at city state and national levels in legal systems that affect the people BDS serves. We work to amplify the voices of public defenders and the people we serve who are impacted by these legal systems.

This position will report to the Director of the Civil Rights and Law Reform Practice and will work in close collaboration with the Policy & Advocacy unit.

Responsibilities

Under attorney supervision conduct legal media and factual research to support the Policy & Advocacy teams priorities and the Law Reform teams litigation.
Investigate factual developments and identify trends regarding BDS key issue areas.
Draft advocacy memos and written testimony and comments for BDS to submit to the city council state legislature and other agencies.
Assist Law Reform attorneys with preparation of legal documents and filings including proof-reading and cite-checking briefs organizing and redacting exhibits and conducting service.
Maintain accurate digital and paper files according to office protocol.
Timely and accurately enter information into the case and document management systems.
Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelors or Masters degree.
2 years of experience working in a policy governmental or legal-related field or equivalent experience.
Excellent written skills including the ability to draft clear and persuasive documents.
Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Ability to take direction and feedback and adjust workload with agility.
Excellent time management and task triage skills.
High proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook Word Excel etc.).
Fluency in a second language preferred.

Position Information

This is a full-time non-exempt salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm. The position is based at BDS offices in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $63113-$68738 depending on the applicants education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. 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 resume and writing sample on our online application portal. Please submit your application by October 31 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 HR Christina Wallace at

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a paralegal to assist theCivil Rights and Law Reform and Policy & Advocate units.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 t...