Attorney, Adolescent Representation Unit

Attorney, Adolescent Representation Unit, Criminal Defense Practice Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking attorneys to join the Adolescent Representation Unit in the Criminal Defense Practice in the Queens office. 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. 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…

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