Legal Assistant, Family Defense Practice

at  Brooklyn Defender Services

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Legal Assistant to join the Family 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’ 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 Legal Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Manager of Paralegal and Administrative Support and provide litigation and administrative support to FDP case handlers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or relevant work experience.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple varied tasks and organize own time to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Prior experience working with case management systems (data entry) preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to take on a variety of duties as needed to support the work of the team.
• Applicants who speak a second language are encouraged to apply.

• Draft subpoenas and medical and education records requests and follow up with hospitals, schools, and the police department to obtain the records.
• Draft notice of appeals and compile necessary documents to serve and file.
• Conduct conflict checks for new clients, draft client letters, contact service providers, file and serve motions.
• Staff Family Court intake shifts, which involves conducting interviews of clients during the intake process.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.