Job Description

File Clerk Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a File Clerk to join the Criminal Defense Practice in our 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.

The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested. Our staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrative professionals and clerical staff.

The File Clerk is responsible for management and maintenance of our client case files, both paper and digital. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, works well with colleagues, can take responsibility for more than one task at once, and is comfortable working in an environment where requests often need to be fulfilled quickly. BDS will provide full training for this position on the specific tasks and systems used in this position.

Responsibilities

• Organize files and documents according to BDS' filing system.
• Scan paper files and save them in the online case management system.
• Receive and sort physical and digital documents.
• Store physical and digital documents in designated places, securing the important documents.
• Receive requests for files and respond in a timely way, including keeping logs and answering requests for follow-up.
• Organize and maintain file rooms, records storage areas, and electronic document repositories.
• Follow policies and confidentiality to safeguard client information.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• College degree or four years of equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage both physical and electronic filing systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to lift and move file boxes and records weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Comfortable and confident in learning new computer systems.

Position Information

This is a full-time, 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 offices in Forest Hills, Queens.

Brooklyn Defender Services determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is an annual salary range from $69,000-$74,000. Brooklyn Defender Services offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, Brooklyn Defender Services has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

To Apply

Click "Apply Now" to submit your application materials, including a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience. Please submit your application by November 16, 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, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.

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