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 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.

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

• Associate’s 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 BDS's 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 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 $63,000-$70,000 depending on the applicant’s 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 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 HERE 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 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, H.R., Christina Wallace at cwallace@bds.org.

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.