Paralegal, Criminal Defense Practice, Queens Office

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Paralegal to work with the Youth Team in the Criminal Defense Practice in the Queens Office.

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’ Criminal Defense Practice zealously defends people who are accused of a crime in Queens, fighting to protect the individual rights of clients’ and minimize harm from involvement with the criminal legal system. BDS’ staff consists of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, conducting initial client intake interviews and regularly providing them with relevant information including upcoming court appearances and program appointments.
• Prepare clients and their family members for probation interviews on cases which get removed from Supreme Court to Family Court and accompany them to the interviews.
• Help connect clients with social services, counseling, educational programs, or diversionary resources and obtain progress reports as needed.
• Assist attorneys in gathering and organizing client information, background histories, and case narratives.
• Draft, serve, and file legal documents including subpoenas, notices of entry, and notices of appeal.
• Prepare and submit requests for legal documents including transcripts, certificates of disposition, and property releases.
• Collect motion exhibits, compile motion papers, and serve and file motions.
• Provide hearing and trial support to attorneys.
• Manage and organize electronic case files.
• Maintain case calendars, deadlines, and hearing schedules.
• Collaborate with other BDS staff including ensuring regular communication and coordination with both Supreme and Family Court teams working with clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, two years of finished college courses or equivalent work experience.
• Experience working with adolescents a plus.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) or ability to learn these applications.
• Spanish speaking ability a plus.

Position Information

This is a non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based primarily out of BDS’ Queens Offices.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position, there is a salary range of approximately $60,000 - $70,000, with the upper end for candidates with experience in the field and potentially more for candidates with more than 5 years of work experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. BDS supports work/life balance with family-friendly policies including 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. Please submit your application by June 6, 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, Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.