Mitigation Associate, Criminal Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Mitigation Specialists to join the Social Work Department in our Adult Criminal Defense Practice.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

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 housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

The Social Work Department of BDS’ Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) works closely with attorneys in all practice areas, providing comprehensive services to help improve the life circumstances of clients and improve outcomes on their cases. BDS social workers advocate from a trauma-informed lens and a client-centered perspective, support clients in court, provide crisis management, link clients with outside resources and communicate with service providers. They also provide written and oral reports and communications to attorneys, and under the direction of the attorney to Judges and prosecutors to assist the client in obtaining a favorable outcome.

Under the direct supervision of the Mitigation Supervisor and the CDP Director of Social Work, the Mitigation Associates will interview clients, obtain collateral information, and request medical records for clients. A pre-pleading or pre-sentence report will then be compiled by the Associate which will describe the client’s mitigating circumstances and ask for a comprehensive plea deal and/or leniency in sentencing. The client’s defense attorney and attorney’s supervisor will also be consulted and the report will be submitted to the judge and the District Attorneys’ Office. The Mitigation Associates will be expected to interview clients in person whenever possible, which may include jail visits, court visits and video conferences as needed in each case, along with home and community visits to interview clients and family members when indicated. The Mitigation Associate will also assist with compiling and writing bail packages.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients in person and/or virtually in the community, in court, on Rikers Island and in other detention facilities as needed.
• Request medical records on behalf of clients, including clients’ psychiatric, school, and hospital medical records.
• Conduct in-depth collateral interviews with client’s family members.
• Write thorough and persuasive mitigation reports incorporating feedback and edits from attorneys, social work supervisors, et al.
• Attend client’s court dates when necessary.
• Collaborate with attorneys and social work supervisors to develop mitigation themes and narratives.
• Attend writing workshops and trainings to hone writing and interview skills.
• Meet writing deadlines set by the attorney and the social work supervisors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, journalism or another related field.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent and empathetic communicator.
• Ability to utilize case and document management systems to track information and data.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in a second language in a plus.

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 primarily based at BDS’s offices and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn. Mitigation Associates are required to work in the office three days per week and may be required to work additional days in person based on client needs and jail visiting needs. The in-person requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $53,955-$59,363 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. 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.

Application Instructions

 Click HERE to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by May 22, 2025.

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.