Jobs at Brooklyn Defender Services

Represent adolescents ages 12–17 in Queens Family and Supreme Courts from intake through resolution, including hearings, trials, motions, plea negotiations, and occasional appeals. Build attorney-client relationships, collaborate with social workers and investigators, advise families, staff intake rotations, and coordinate comprehensive legal services with other practice areas.

Supports attorneys and clients seeking relief under New York’s START Act. Responsibilities include identifying eligible clients, conducting interviews and outreach, gathering documentation, preparing and submitting motions, requesting court and agency records, maintaining case files, entering case data, and protecting confidential information.

Represent clients facing criminal charges in Queens Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through resolution. Prepare and litigate hearings, trials, motions, and discovery matters; build attorney-client relationships; collaborate with interdisciplinary teams; advise clients on case decisions; participate in arraignment rotations; and coordinate with other legal practices to provide comprehensive client services.

Represent immigrants in federal district and circuit court litigation, including habeas, mandamus, petitions for review, Administrative Procedure Act actions, and affirmative civil challenges. Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, amicus briefs, and public comments; conduct legal research, investigations, oral arguments, staff trainings, and collaborate with pro bono attorneys and interdisciplinary teams.

Represent clients facing criminal charges in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea, or trial. Responsibilities include building attorney-client relationships, preparing and litigating hearings and trials, drafting and arguing motions, handling arraignment rotations, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and coordinating with housing, immigration, family defense, and education practices. Attorneys receive comprehensive training and gradually assume more serious cases under supervision.

Represent detained and non-detained noncitizens in removal proceedings, immigration appeals, detention matters, and applications before USCIS. Conduct legal research and writing, prepare filings, attend immigration court hearings and USCIS interviews, meet detained clients in person, manage urgent caseloads, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. Maintain accurate case records and coordinate legal strategy while advocating for clients facing detention and deportation.

Represents cisgender and transgender women seeking relief under New York’s START Act. Identifies eligible clients, conducts outreach and interviews, gathers supporting documentation, drafts and submits motions, accompanies clients to prosecutor proffer sessions, and educates staff on START procedures. Collaborates with paralegals, attorneys, social workers, and citywide working groups while providing trauma-informed legal advocacy.