Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Arraignment Court Clerks to join 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.

BDS’ Criminal Defense Practice zealously defends people who are accused of a crime in Queens, 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.

The Arraignment Court Clerk provides support to attorneys in criminal arraignment court. Arraignment is the first appearance made before a judge after arrest. At that time, a BDS attorney will be assigned to interview and represent the clients. The Arraignment Court Clerk works alongside the attorneys in arraignment court to help with the paperwork and coordination required to expedite the interviews, bail arguments, and release of as many people as possible.

Responsibilities

Work with BDS attorneys and the BDS arraignment supervisor to collect paperwork from the court, organize the files, assure cases are being handled and enter cases into the case-management system.
Create paper files for new clients when required.
Look up potential conflicts of interest in the case management system.
Assist attorneys with looking up information in case management system.
Provide carfare to clients who are released.
Enter data into case management system.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Ability to work in a fast-paced in-court environment.
Good at handling multiple tasks, prioritizing appropriately and ensuring all tasks are completed on time.
Accurate and detail oriented.
Familiarity with using email, ideally Microsoft Outlook.
Comfortable and confident in learning case management and document management software.
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure.

Position Information

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position. The position is based at the Queens Criminal Court and BDS’ offices in Queens. Since arraignment court operates 7 days per week from 8 am to 1 am the next day, the regular schedule will include some evening and weekend shifts. It also requires flexibility to stay later than the scheduled end of the shift, because sometimes the court extends the hours to arraign more cases. BDS provides carfare home when an evening shift is worked.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $59,113-$66,987. 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.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse work environment and supports a nondiscrimination policy in all employment practices. We are focused on equity and inclusion and thus strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, experiences, and other characteristics that make us different to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, you may contact the Managing Director of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace@bds.org.

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Arraignment Court Clerk