Paralegal

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks Paralegals for the Family Defense Practice (FDP).

BDS is a multi-disciplinary defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our expertise lies in the intersection of these legal systems that disproportionately impact poor, Black, Latine, and immigrant communities.

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 housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues. BDS is a public defense office where staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities in Brooklyn.

BDS’ Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation for parents and caretakers who are facing an ACS investigation or prosecution in Brooklyn Family Court.

The Paralegal will join a team of FDP paralegals and work under the supervision of the Manager of Paralegal and Administrative Support. Paralegals will also work under the supervision of attorneys for specific assignments.

Responsibilities

• Draft written motions and petitions as well as other legal documents
• Interview clients and prepare client affidavits and have them review and sign
• Summarize transcripts, case records, and medical and mental health records
• Staff Family Court intake shifts, which involves conducting interviews of clients during the intake process
• Conduct legal research for attorneys
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years’ work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant required
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely, and handle emergency requests
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and an efficient, organized work style
• Passion for Brooklyn Defender Services’ mission.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, located in Downtown Brooklyn. BDS staff are working a hybrid schedule of remote and in-person work. Applicants should be prepared to move flexibly between in-person and remote work as policies and needs shift.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range from $48,880-$74,880 based on the applicants experience and education. BDS also offers comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, short-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution, pre-tax commuter benefit, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and above-average vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions

Click above to apply by submitting 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 12/20/23.

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 Managing Director of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace@bds.org