Attorney, Adolescent Representation Unit, Criminal Defense PracticeBrooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking attorneys to join the Adolescent Representation Unit in the Criminal Defense Practice in the Queens office.
The Adolescent Team consists of an interdisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers who collaborate to represent young people up to the age of 18 who are arrested. The Unit represents adolescents 12-17 in both Supreme and Family Court. Team members represent young people who are arrested as follows:
- Clients ages 14-17 charged as adults in Supreme Court
- Clients ages 12-17 charged with misdemeanor and/or felony charges in Delinquency Proceedings and PINS petitions in Family Court
- Clients whose cases are Removed to Family Court from Supreme Court
Responsibilities- Directly represent clients in Queens Family Court from intake through dismissal, plea/admission or trial/fact finding and, on occasion, appeal in Family Court cases.
- Foster strong attorney/client relationship with adolescent clients, including visiting detention facilities if the client is incarcerated.
- Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary case teams with social workers, investigators, paralegals and admins.
- Participate in a rotation to staff intake shifts in Supreme Court Youth Part and/or Family Court Intake Part.
- Collaborate with other BDS staff from our housing, immigration, family and education practices to provide comprehensive assistance to clients.
- Meet regularly with supervisor to review caseload, discuss case strategy, and prepare for trial.
- Meet with family members or other support networks.
- Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family and/or 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 or Corporation Counsel and other legal written and oral arguments in cases assigned to the attorney.
- Negotiate plea agreements to reach the best result for the client and advise clients regarding their options.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Admitted in New York State or admitted in another state and able to pursue Pro Hac Vice in New York.
- Strong litigation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with adolescents.
- Prior experience handling felony cases in New York or 3 years' experience handling felony cases in another jurisdiction.
Position InformationThis is a full-time, exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS's Queens office in Jamacia, and the courts located in Queens.
BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $101,000-$115,000 depending on the applicant's education and experience. There may be additional compensation for applicants with extensive experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. To support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.
Application InstructionsClick "Apply" to submit your cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by November 6, 2026.
