Entry Level Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice, September 2027, Brooklyn OfficeBrooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Entry Level Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice in the Brooklyn Office in September 2027.
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.
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.
Qualifications- Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027, ideally with trial advocacy, evidence, ethics, criminal law and criminal procedure courses.
- Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
- Experience in a law school clinical program or a public defense internship involving client representation is preferred.
- 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.
- Fluency in a second language is a plus.
Position InformationThis is an exempt, salaried position. The position is based at BDS's offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn.
BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. The salary for a 2025 law school graduate is $99,910. 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.
Application Instructions Click "Apply" to submit a cover letter and resume via our online application portal. Please submit your application by December 31, 2026.
