Paralegal, Family Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Paralegal to join the Family Defense Practice (FDP).

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

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 workunder the supervision of attorneys for specific assignments.

Responsibilities

• Draft writtenmotions and petitions as well as other legal documents.
• Interview clientsand prepare clientaffidavits and have them reviewand sign.
• Summarize transcripts, case records, and medical and mental health records.
• Staff FamilyCourt 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.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely including 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.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-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, located in Downtown Brooklyn. There is a three-day per week in-person requirement for this position. Applicants should be aware that the in-person requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range from $51,880 - $77,880 based on the applicant’s 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 HERE to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by 6/6/25.

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.