Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onAdams Street, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, 11242, United States
About Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a public defense office representing thousands of low-income New Yorkers annually across criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Beyond zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services to clients with complex needs, their families, and communities in Brooklyn and Queens.
About the Civil Justice Practice
The Civil Justice Practice (CJP) aims to reduce the civil collateral and direct consequences stemming from legal system involvement. We provide legal services in Housing, Benefits, Education, and Employment, while serving as a resource to other practice areas by advising on the ramifications of criminal and family court involvement. We also accept cases from community referrals at our community office.
The Role
As an employment attorney within the Civil Justice Practice, you will work directly with BDS clients facing employment-related collateral consequences due to arrest or prior conviction. You will partner across practice areas to determine employment-safe plea agreements and engage in direct employer advocacy. Your work will involve representing workers in hearings to lift license suspensions and revocations, filing affirmative discrimination complaints, and assisting with applications for post-conviction relief, such as sealing prior convictions, to limit the lasting harm of court system involvement.
You will address critical workers' rights issues, including filing complaints about wage theft, demanding back wages, asserting rights to paid leave and workplace accommodations, and assisting with unemployment insurance claims. Employment lawyers at BDS also collaborate closely with our immigration team to explore how pending employment law claims can make workers in removal proceedings eligible for immigration relief, including U and T visas. Because stable employment and financial security are closely tied to positive outcomes in other court proceedings, your contributions will significantly support our core mission of avoiding harsh sentences, keeping families together, and preventing immigration consequences.
Application Process
To apply, please click "Apply Now" to submit a cover letter and resume via our online application portal. Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.
Our Commitment to Diversity
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.
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Frequently asked questions about Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defenders
What does a Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defenders do?expand_more
In this Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defenders role, you will represent individuals on employment matters including wage violations and discrimination; advise arrested individuals on collateral employment consequences and provide employer advocacy; represent workers in license suspension and revocation hearings to preserve employment; and screen immigrant workers for immigration relief and represent them before labor departments.
What are the requirements for this Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice role?expand_more
To qualify for the Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defenders position, applicants should have: Admission to the New York bar or eligibility to become admitted; 1 to 5 years of experience providing direct legal services representation; and Proficiency in a language other than English (encouraged).
Where is the Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice role at Brooklyn Defenders located?expand_more
Employment Staff Attorney, Civil Justice Practice at Brooklyn Defenders is based in Adams Street, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, 11242, United States. This is a on-site role.