Administrative Assistant, Family Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks an Administrative Assistant to join the Family Defense Practice (FDP).

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.

BDS’ Family Defense Practice (FDP) is the primary provider of legal representation for parents and caretakers who are facing an ACS investigation or prosecution in Brooklyn Family Court.

The Administrative Assistant will join a team of FDP Legal Assistants and administrative professionals and work under the supervision of the Manager of Paralegal and Administrative Support.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming calls to FDP’s main phone line, including answering and directing calls, responding to inquiries, and ensuring timely communication with clients and external parties.
• Edit, prepare, and mail correspondence to clients or other recipients.
• Enter data into the case management system.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and client service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, service providers, and court personnel from diverse backgrounds.
• Accuracy in data entry and willingness to help keep data entered across the office accurate.
• Experience working in an office in a similar administrative position.
• An understanding and interest in working with parents and caregivers who are facing the loss of their children through the Family Court system.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, located in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range from $62,000-68,000 with the possibility for more than the top part of the range for applicants with extensive experience. BDS also offers comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, short-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution, pre-tax commuter benefit, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and above-average 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. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Please submit your application by June 30, 2026.

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 of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at Cwallace @ bds.org.