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Family Defense Practice Seeks Entry Level Attorney Candidates for Fall 2027

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks rising third year law students, judicial law clerks, and recent law school graduates for Entry Level Staff Attorney positions.

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 accused of neglect or abuse in Brooklyn Family Court and are facing the risk of family separation through foster placement of their child(ren). FDP’s interdisciplinary staff of attorneys, social workers, and advocates provide comprehensive representation to parents which includes robust legal representation and intensive social work intervention. FDP staff works closely with BDS’ other practices to ensure clients have access to a wide range of additional services and resources through our interdisciplinary practice model.

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Attorney, attorneys collaborate with social workers, paralegals and administrative staff to provide comprehensive legal advocacy and representation to clients.

Responsibilities

• Attend training program in Fall of 2027.
• Develop a caseload over time in which the law graduate/attorney will provide comprehensive representation to parents and caretakers facing the removal of children from intake through the life of a case in Brooklyn Family Court as well as occasional final appeals with the assistance of the Law and Appeals unit.
• Work on an interdisciplinary team which includes social workers and paralegals to advance the interests of the client.
• Pick up cases in intake, which is the first appearance for the parties. Attorneys generally maintain the cases they are assigned at intake for the life of the case.
• Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court, including emergency hearings seeking family reunification when appropriate.
• Represent their clients in interim appeals.
• Prepare and argue written motions seeking increased visitation, family reunification and to achieve other client goals.
• Collaborate with BDS staff from our other practice areas, including criminal and civil to forward the goal of holistic services and to provide comprehensive legal assistance to clients.
• Meet regularly with assigned supervisor to review cases and discuss case strategy.
• Attend regular trainings and meetings to build litigation skills and develop substantive knowledge.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027.
• Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
• A strong desire to advocate on behalf of people who are facing family separation.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the practice and throughout BDS.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

• Ability to work in a high stress environment, multitask, and be flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a high-needs caseload, including an ability to prioritize tasks where requests and deadlines are often on short notice.

Position Information

This is an exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm but there are times where emergencies and/or case preparation may require working outside these hours. 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. The salary for a 2027 law school graduate will be $99,000. 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 “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal.

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.