Supervising Attorney Criminal Defense 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.
• Helpattorneysreachtheir 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.
• Proactivelyseektocreateanequitableandinclusiveworkenvironment.
• Reviewcases,identifyissues,advise,andassistattorneysinprovidingthebestpossible representation from the inception of cases to potential hearings and trial.
• Teachandcoachattorneystohelpthemgrowtheirknowledge,skills,andfurthertheir professional development.
• AssistattorneysincommunicatingwiththeCourt,DAs,orclientswhenproblematic situations arise, including directly intervening when necessary.
• Evaluateattorneyperformancebothformallyandinformallyandregularlyprovide appropriate feedback.
• UseBDSresourcestoassistattorneysandclients. Assistattorneysinworkingeffectively with social workers, investigators, paralegals, support staff, and other practice areas.
• Ensureattorneysarefulfillingtheircasemanagementresponsibilitiesandassistattorneysin navigating changing technology.
• Assistwithpracticemanagementincludingensuringcasecoverageandhelpingwithother administrative tasks.
• KnowandapplyBDSpoliciesandprocedures,includingpersonnelandofficepolicies.
• Carry a reduced caseload.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

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 candidatesof 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 cwallace@bds.org.

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