Legal Assistant, Family Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Legal Assistant to join the Family Defense Practice.

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 Legal Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Manager of Paralegal and Administrative Support and provide litigation and administrative support to FDP case handlers.

Responsibilities

• Draft medical and education records requests and follow up with hospitals, schools,and the police department to obtain the records.
• Conduct conflict checks for new clients, draft client letters, contact service providers to obtain letters for clients, serve motions, and file motions in Family Court.
• Staff Family Court intake shifts,which involves collecting demographic and contact information from clients during the intake process and collecting information and maintaining the intake grid for the day.
• Assist with court filings in person at Family Court, which involves filing papers with the clerk; dropping off exhibits on CDs/USB drives; and other administrative requests for court as needed.
• Staff the Family Defense main phone line by answering phone calls and directing callers to the appropriate attorney, unit, and/or provide referrals to community resources and partners.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple varied tasks and organize time to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Prior experience working with case management systems (data entry) preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to take on a varietyof duties as needed to support the work of the team.
• Applicants who speak a second language are encouraged to apply.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining agreement. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices and the courts in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience, which is visible to all employees. For this position there is a salary range of $$59,113 - $65,863 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

Please visit our career center to submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by 8/22/25.

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.