Forensic Counsel, Forensic Unit

Brooklyn Defenders is seeking applications from experienced attorneys with advanced forensic experience for the position of Forensic Counsel.

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 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 Brooklyn Defenders Forensic Unit assists trial attorneys in confronting forensic evidence from the biological, chemical and physical sciences, as well as from digital technologies used by law enforcement. The Unit assists attorneys on cases throughout the criminal practice – from misdemeanors to homicides.

Working with the rest of the Forensic Unit, the Forensic Counsel will be responsible for providing pre-trial and trial support for cases involving scientific and technological evidence. In addition, the Forensic Counsel will be available to second-seat trial attorneys at hearings and at trial – particularly in homicides and other major felony cases – in order to cross-examine experts and other witnesses where forensic evidence is proffered.

Responsibilities

• Work directly on forensic cases with the assigned attorney in order to:

o identify forensic issues and the best strategies for handling those issues;

o gather all relevant and available discovery materials, critical external research and analysis, and investigative materials needed to litigate those issues; and

o then litigate them within the case—either directly as second-seat to the case attorney or in a support role—by drafting motions, working with experts, and conducting witness examinations at hearings and trials.

• Keep up-to-date on current law and new technical developments in the relevant areas of forensic practice.
• Periodically provide support to the Brookly Defenders policy team on forensic issues.
• Attend training on trending issues in forensics and carry that education back to other Brooklyn Defenders.
• Collaborate with other members of the Unit to improve forensic resource offerings within the office.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experienced criminal defense trial attorney – admitted to practice in New York or eligible for admission in New York with at least 7+ years of criminal defense trial experience.
• At least two years of specialized forensic casework.
• Prior attendance at trainings in forensic litigation.
• Familiarity with at least some of the issues that the Forensic Unit encounters on a regular basis: DNA and probabilistic genotyping, serology, fingerprint evidence, ballistics, toxicology, video surveillance, compilation videos, body worn camera footage, cell site location data, social media and other online account data seizures, cell phone extractions, and automated license plate readers.
• Technical aptitude – an ability to understand the technical fundamentals of forensics.
• Accessibility – a demonstrated ability to break down complex scientific and technical topics and explain them effectively to a lay audience.
• Research and writing – an affinity for performing technical and legal research, drafting motions, and crafting innovative legal arguments.
• Familiarity with the constitutional and evidentiary issues regarding forensic evidence.

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 Brooklyn Defenders’ offices, and in the courts located in Brooklyn and Queens.

Brooklyn Defenders determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is an annual salary range from $107,000-$150,000+. Brooklyn Defenders offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, Brooklyn Defenders has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions

Click HERE to submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by August 29, 2025.

Brooklyn Defenders 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 Christopher Cox at ccox@bds.org.