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 work under the supervision of attorneys for specific assignments.

Responsibilities

• Draft written motions and petitions as well as other legal documents.

• Interview clients and prepare client affidavits and have them review and sign.

• Summarize transcripts, case records, and medical and mental health records.

• Staff Family Court intake shifts, including conducting client interviews during the intake process.

• Take notes in court proceedings

• Draft and submit subpoenas on behalf of attorneys and follow up with parties to ensure compliance.

• Format appellate briefs in compliance with court rules, filing requirements, and BDS writing best practices.

• Assist attorneys in administrative hearings with OCFS by drafting advocacy letters and affirmations with clients; digesting and summarizing case records; organizing discovery and evidence; drafting client direct testimony; interviewing potential witnesses; drafting closing arguments

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and related work experience 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.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position, there is a salary range from $63,000-70,000 based on the applicant’s experience and education. Applicants with more than five years of experience may earn more than the top of the range.

For people with a lot experience, the pay may exceed the upper end of the range. 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 “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.   Please submit your application by June 30, 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 of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at Cwallace @ bds.org.