Client Advocate, Women’s Defense Project, CDP

Brooklyn Defender Services•Brooklyn, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Client Advocate for the Women’s Defense Project (WDP) within its Criminal Defense Practice. BDS is a public defense office that represents low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Its interdisciplinary teams provide legal and advocacy services addressing clients’ complex needs, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment. The Criminal Defense Practice represents people who are arrested. WDP represents female-identifying clients whose histories of trauma have led to their involvement in the criminal legal system. The Client Advocate works closely with the WDP team to provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process. The role combines client advocacy, court accompaniment, resource navigation, and legal support, with an emphasis on helping clients navigate criminal and family court systems. The position is full-time, salaried, non-exempt, and part of the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The position is based at BDS offices and courts in Brooklyn and Queens, with frequent travel between those boroughs and occasional travel throughout the five boroughs. The advocate will accompany clients to appointments with medical providers, law enforcement, and service providers. Salary is $73,000–$78,000 annually, determined according to education and experience. Applications are due November 16, 2026.

Requirements

A college degree or four years of equivalent experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and ensure all tasks are completed fully and on time.
Willingness to connect with and maintain relationships with service providers throughout the city.
Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, or ability to learn these applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with criminalized survivors of gender-based violence and individuals experiencing crisis.

Responsibilities

Accompany and support clients during court appearances.
Assist clients in completing and submitting crime victim’s assistance applications.
Connect clients with appropriate social, legal, and community-based services.
Provide support and advocacy to clients experiencing crises.
Collaborate with attorneys, social workers, and other WDP team members to ensure coordinated and responsive client support.
Advocate for clients as they navigate criminal and family court systems.
Accompany clients to emergency medical care, forensic exams, appointments with service providers, and other appointments.
Perform other duties as assigned.