Arraignment Paralegal, Criminal Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services Criminal Defense Practice Arraignment Paralegal

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seekingan Arraignment Paralegalto join 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 communities 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.

Under the supervision of the Director of Administrative Support the Arraignment Paralegal provides support to Brooklyn Defender Services staff and clients in criminal arraignment court. Arraignment is the first appearance made before a judge after arrest. At that time a BDS attorney will be assigned to interview and represent the client and a bail application will be made at that time. the Arraignment Paralegal supports this work by obtaining paperwork assuring cases are being interviewed keeping track of client outcomes entering cases in the case management system and interacting with family members and clients if they are released.

Responsibilities

• The Arraignment Paralegal is based in court during the arraignment shifts where multiple attorneys interview clients who were arrested over the past 24 hours.
• The arraignment paralegal is responsible for keeping up with the cases as they are being given to BDS for interviews of clients and preparing them for the attorneys as well as assuring they are properly documented and entered into the case management system.
• Some duties include the following:

• collect paperwork from the court organize the files assure cases are being handled and enter cases into the case-management system.
• Create paper files for new clients when required.
• Look up potential conflicts of interest in the case management system.
• Assist attorneys with looking up information in case management system.
• Provide carfare to clients who are released.
• Enter data intocasemanagement system.

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Very organized.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced in-court environment.
• Interested in assisting people who have been arrested and their families during the stressful arraignment appearance.
• Good at handling multiple tasks prioritizing appropriately and ensuring all tasks are completed on time.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Comfortable and confident in learning case management and document management software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure.

Position Information

This is a full-time non-exempt salaried position. Since arraignment court operates 7 days per week from 8 am to 1 am the next day the regular schedule will include some evening and weekend shifts. It also requires flexibility to stay later than the scheduled end of the shift because sometimes the court extends the hours. BDS provides carfare home when an evening shift is worked. BDS also provides a meal stipend for weekend night and holiday arraignment shifts.

The position is based at the Queens Criminal Court and BDS offices in Forest Hills Queens. The in-person requirement for this position is 5 days per week. Arraignment paralegals generally do less than 5 shifts per week in court and do other tasks in the office to fulfill their weekly days.

BDS determines salary on apay scalebased on education and this position there is a salary rangeof $ 73000 - $78000. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insuranceanda403(b) order tosupport work/life balance and family-friendly policies BDS has generousvacation sick holiday family and medical leave policies.

To Apply

Click Apply Now to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by September 10th 2026.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committedto creating and maintaininga diverse work environment and supports a nondiscrimination policy in all are focused on equity and inclusion and thusstrongly encourage candidatesof all identities expressions orientations disabilities experiences and other characteristics that make us different to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability or another reason you may contact the Managing Director of Human Resources Christina Wallace atcwallace @ .