Paralegal, Criminal Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Paralegal to join our 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.

The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested. Our staff consists of attorneys social workers investigators paralegals and administrative professionals.

Under the direct supervision of the Paralegal Supervisor the Paralegal provides a wide range of support to attorneys in the Criminal Defense Practice.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents including court orders and subpoenas.
• Serve legal documents on opposing counsel courts and government agencies.
• Draft and submit requests for records and information from law enforcement agencies hospitals correctional facilities and other entities.
• Obtain signed subpoenas and court orders from New York City courts.
• Retrieve court files certificates of disposition and other records from in-state and out-of-state courts.
• Request and track transcripts from court proceedings.
• Coordinate attorney-client visits and telephone calls for incarcerated clients.
• Access and retrieve case-related information through internal and external case management systems.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical case files and update information in our digital Case Management System.
• Conduct regular court runs to file retrieve and deliver legal documents including subpoenas and court orders.
• Organize copy scan and manage legal documents and case materials.
• Adhere to BDS confidentiality policies and procedures to protect sensitive client information.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associates degree paralegal certificate completion of at least two years of college coursework or equivalent experience within the criminal legal system.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously while ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook Word and Excel or the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize these tools.
• Ability to learn and navigate BDSs case management and document management systems.
• Licensed as a New York State Process Server and Notary Public or willingness and ability to obtain the required certifications.

Position Information

This is a non-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 on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $63000-$70000 depending on the applicants education and experience. Applicants with more than five years of experience may earn more than the top of the range. 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. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. We recommend you submit your application by July 12 2026.

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 cwallace @ .