Entry Level Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice, September 2026

Brooklyn Defender Services•New York, NY

40d•$90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Entry Level Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice in the Brooklyn Office in September 2026. 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 Brooklyn, 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. Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney, attorneys directly represent clients who have been arrested and face criminal charges. BDS provides a comprehensive training program for entry-level attorneys. This is followed by a period of time where they handle misdemeanor cases with supervision and then gradually move on to handling more serious cases.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2026, ideally with trial advocacy, evidence, ethics, criminal law and criminal procedure courses.
Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest, as expressed by coursework, internships and extra-curricular activities.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the practice and throughout BDS.
Excellent litigation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a law school clinical program or a public defense internship involving client representation is preferred.
Fluency in a second language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Directly represent clients in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea or trial.
Foster strong attorney/client relationships.
Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary case teams with social workers, investigators, paralegals and admins.
Participate in a rotation to staff court arraignment shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Criminal and Supreme Courts, as well as collateral administrative tribunals.
Prepare and argue written motions, argue in court regarding discovery, answer legal motions filed by the District Attorney’s office and other legal written and oral arguments in cases assigned to the attorney.
Collaborate with other BDS staff from our housing, immigration, family defense and education practices to provide comprehensive assistance to clients.
Meet regularly with supervisor to review caseload, discuss case strategy, and prepare for trial.
Be an advisor to the client when decisions are made about the case.
Meet with family members or other support networks as client requests.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

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