Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking attorneys to join the Criminal Practice’s Adolescent Representation Unit in Brooklyn.
BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.
BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In 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 for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families, and communities.
The Adolescent Team consists of an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers who collaborate to represent young people up to the age of 18 who are arrested. The Unit represents adolescents 12-17 in both Supreme and Family Court. Team members represent young people who are arrested as follows:
- Clients ages 14-17 charged as adults in Supreme Court
- Clients ages 12-17 charged with misdemeanor and/or felony charges in Delinquency Proceedings and PINS petitions in Family Court
- Clients whose cases are Removed to Family Court from Supreme Court
Responsibilities
- Directly represent clients in Brooklyn Family and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea/admission or trial/fact finding and, on occasion, appeal in Family Court cases.
- Foster strong attorney/client relationship with adolescent client, including visiting detention facilities if the client is incarcerated.
- Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary case teams with social workers, investigators, paralegals and admins.
- Participate in a rotation to staff intake shifts in Supreme Court Youth Part and/or Family Court Intake Part
- Collaborate with other BDS staff from our housing, immigration, family and education practices to provide comprehensive assistance to clients.
- Meet regularly with supervisor to review caseload, discuss case strategy, and prepare for trial.
- Meet with family members or other support networks.
- Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family and/or Supreme Courts, as well as collateral administrative tribunals.
- Prepare and argue written motions, argue in court regarding discovery, answer legal motions filed by the District Attorney’s office or Corporation Counsel and other legal written and oral arguments in cases assigned to the attorney.
- Negotiate plea agreements to reach the best result for the client and advise client regarding their options.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Admitted in New York State or admitted in another state and able to pursue Pro Hac Vice in New York.
- Strong litigation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with adolescents.
Position Information
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s 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 $90,000 - $114,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience.
BDS offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In 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 September 30, 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 candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Associate Director, HR, Christopher Cox, at ccox @ bds.org.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree
- Admission to the New York State Bar, or admission in another state with ability to pursue Pro Hac Vice admission in New York
- Strong litigation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with adolescents
What We Do
Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defense office providing free, client-centered legal representation and advocacy to people facing criminal charges, family separation, deportation, and other serious legal harms. Its interdisciplinary work spans criminal, family, immigration, and civil defense, combining attorneys and advocates with social work and related support. BDS also works in and out of court to uphold clients’ rights and challenge harmful systems affecting individuals and families.
