Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney — Public Service

Brooklyn-Defender-Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is hiring an Entry Level Attorney for the Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn, starting September 2027. The role focuses on public defense for low-income New Yorkers and involves litigation in Criminal and Supreme Courts with a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

Under supervision, new attorneys receive comprehensive training and gradually handle more complex cases. Salary is set on a scale with strong benefits, vacation, and leave policies, and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree anticipated by Sept 2027.
• First NY bar exam after graduation.
• Clinical or public defense internship preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest and teamwork.

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.

Skills

Litigation skills

Communication skills

Multilingual ability

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission NY

Job description

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is hiring an Entry Level Attorney for the Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn, starting September 2027. The role focuses on public defense for low-income New Yorkers and involves litigation in Criminal and Supreme Courts with a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

Under supervision, new attorneys receive comprehensive training and gradually handle more complex cases. Salary is set on a scale with strong benefits, vacation, and leave policies, and