Attorney criminal practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking to promote one or more experienced criminal defense attorneys to the position of Supervising Attorney in the general practice teams of the Criminal Defense Practice.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

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 housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

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.  

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of a Managing Director, the Supervising Attorney will:

• Supervise a team of attorneys.
• Help attorneys reach their potential and ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. This includes utilizing the expertise of team members, other supervisors, and specialized attorneys to create a collaborative environment of growth and learning for all attorneys.
• Proactively seek to create an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Review cases, identify issues, advise, and assist attorneys in providing the best possible representation from the inception of cases to potential hearings and trial.
• Teach and coach attorneys to help them grow their knowledge, skills, and further their professional development.
• Assist attorneys in communicating with the Court, DAs, or clients when problematic situations arise, including directly intervening when necessary.
• Evaluate attorney performance both formally and informally and regularly provide appropriate feedback.
• Use BDS resources to assist attorneys and clients. Assist attorneys in working effectively with social workers, investigators, paralegals, support staff, and other practice areas.
• Ensure attorneys are fulfilling their case management responsibilities and assist attorneys in navigating changing technology.
• Assist with practice management including ensuring case coverage and helping with other administrative tasks.
• Know and apply BDS policies and procedures, including personnel and office policies.
• Carry a reduced caseload.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 9 years of criminal defense experience (graduated law school no later than 2016).
• At least two years in the criminal practice at BDS.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all staff and clients of BDS.
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation.
• Ability and desire to train, teach, and help attorneys reach their full potential as an effective advocate for their clients, through any personal challenges that affect their work, and to promote their professional development.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the criminal defense practice and throughout BDS as a whole.

Position Information

This is an exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position, there is a salary range of approximately $128,000-$145,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. 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 Now" to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by October 28, 2025.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at [email protected].