Arraignment Court Clerk

Brooklyn Defender Services•New York, NY

8d•$59,113 - $66,987•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Arraignment Court Clerks to join 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, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client. The Arraignment Court Clerk provides support to attorneys in criminal arraignment court. Arraignment is the first appearance made before a judge after arrest. At that time, a BDS attorney will be assigned to interview and represent the clients. The Arraignment Court Clerk works alongside the attorneys in arraignment court to help with the paperwork and coordination required to expedite the interviews, bail arguments, and release of as many people as possible.

Requirements

Ability to work in a fast-paced in-court environment.
Good at handling multiple tasks, prioritizing appropriately and ensuring all tasks are completed on time.
Accurate and detail oriented.
Familiarity with using email, ideally Microsoft Outlook.
Comfortable and confident in learning case management and document management software.
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

Work with BDS attorneys and the BDS arraignment supervisor to collect paperwork from the court, organize the files, assure cases are being handled and enter cases into the case-management system.
Create paper files for new clients when required.
Look up potential conflicts of interest in the case management system.
Assist attorneys with looking up information in case management system.
Provide carfare to clients who are released.
Enter data into case management system.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.