Attorney in Charge of Law Reform and Policy

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. Attorney In Charge of Law and Reform and Policy Contribute to the development of BDS’ policy agenda and positions by identifying and elevating system reform issues. Collaborate with Policy & Advocacy team to develop, coordinate, and implement policy, media, and communication strategies for advancing BDS’ policy and campaign priorities. Monitor legislative developments at the local and state levels. Conduct legal research on statutes and regulations relevant to specific policy issues. Prepare draft legal memoranda, briefs and other documents to support BDS’ policy positions and submit all work to supervisor for review. Develop and support proactive and defensive advocacy campaigns and build effective coalitions. Participate in stakeholder and campaign partnership meetings. Draft written and oral testimonies and testify at local and state legislative hearings. Represent BDS in meetings with elected officials and their staff. As a registered lobbyist, conduct lobbying activities, including communicating with elected officials and their staff about policy matters, attending city and state agency meetings, and tracking such activities for BDS’ reporting requirements. Support broader policy projects across the organization as needed, bringing expertise from criminal court work to bear on new initiatives. Maintain a reduced caseload of clients under supervision. Position based in Forest Hills, NY with occasional travel to Brooklyn, NY location to meet with colleagues, and up to 5% travel to Albany, NY to participate in advocacy and lobbying activity on behalf of Brooklyn Defender Services. Must have a Juris Doctor or LLM, admission to New York bar, at least one year of criminal law litigation and one year of policy and law reform experience. Salary Offered: $156,832 - $160,000 EEOC:

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.

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