Discovery Paralegal, Queens Criminal Practice Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Discovery Paralegal to join our 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, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client. Our Discovery Unit provides support to attorneys in reviewing and analyzing evidence provided by the prosecution under New York s landmark discovery reform statute known as Kalief's Law. Responsibilities Gain familiarity with New York s historic discovery reforms and documents regularly produced by the NYPD. Conduct full and detailed reviews of discovery on assigned cases. Compose memoranda summarizing received discovery and detailing missing discovery. Provide discovery-focused hearing and trial support to attorneys. Manage and organize electronic discovery files. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate s degree, paralegal certificate, 2 years of finished college courses or equivalent work experience. Prior experience as a paralegal or with discovery in New York criminal cases is preferred. Strong organizational skills. Good written and oral communications skills. Ability to work independently and in a team setting. Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely. Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) or ability to learn these applications. Position Information This is a 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 Queens Office. BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $73,000 - $80,000 depending on the applicant s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. BDS supports work/life balance with family-friendly policies including generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies. Application Instructions Please click on Apply Now to submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by September 18, 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, Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.