Discovery Paralegal Queens Criminal Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services•Forest Hills, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Discovery Paralegal to join our 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. Our Discovery Unit provides support to attorneys in reviewing and analyzing evidence provided by the prosecution under New York’s landmark discovery reform statute known as Kalief's Law.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, 2 years of finished college courses or equivalent work experience.
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 timely.
Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) or ability to learn these applications.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a paralegal or with discovery in New York criminal cases is preferred.

Responsibilities

Gain familiarity with New York’s historic discovery reforms and documents regularly produced by the NYPD.
Conduct full and detailed reviews of discovery on assigned cases.
Compose memoranda summarizing received discovery and detailing missing discovery.
Provide discovery-focused hearing and trial support to attorneys.
Manage and organize electronic discovery files.
Other duties as assigned.