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Brooklyn Defender Services

Full company profile

uuid000sl7f

Namestring
Brooklyn Defender Services
Legal namestring
Brooklyn Defender Services
Websiteurl
bds.org
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1996
Descriptiontext

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a nonprofit public defense office founded in 1996 by Lisa Schreibersdorf that provides free legal representation, advocacy, and social work services to low-income residents of Brooklyn and, since July 1, 2025, Queens, New York. The organization serves more than 40,000 clients annually through 750 staff — including attorneys, social workers, paralegals, investigators, and administrative professionals — organized into seven practice areas: Criminal Defense, Family Defense, Immigration, Civil Justice, Social Work, Policy/Advocacy/Reform, and Community Engagement. 89% of clients are people of color, and the practice integrates interdisciplinary teams to handle the intersection of criminal, family, immigration, and civil matters that frequently co-occur for indigent defendants. BDS operates from multiple Brooklyn offices (177 Livingston Street headquarters, 156 Pierrepont Street, and a walk-in Community Office at 566 Livonia Avenue in East New York), two Queens offices (Forest Hills regional headquarters and Jamaica), and has signed a 31-year lease for 212,000 square feet across six floors at Tishman Speyer's The Wheeler (422 Fulton Street), consolidating operations in late 2026.

The organization's operational stack includes a multilingual website supporting 11 languages (Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Uzbek) via an embedded Google Translate widget, SSL-encrypted client data collection, an opt-in SMS/MMS intake and notification system, ADP Workforce Now for recruitment, and MobileCause for donation processing. Distinctive in-house capabilities include the Forensic Science Practice and Science and Surveillance Project, which review forensic evidence and digital surveillance issues in criminal cases, and a dedicated Seizure and Surveillance Defense attorney. All client services are free of charge; BDS is funded through NYC government contracts for public defense (including the assumed Queens Defenders contract), grants from 16+ foundation partners (Robin Hood, Booth Ferris, Trinity Church Wall Street, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Porticus, NY Community Trust, NY Bar Foundation, Thomson-Reuters, NBPA Foundation, and others), individual and corporate donations, and substantial pro bono participation from 30+ major law firms (Arnold & Porter, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Paul Weiss, Skadden, Milbank, Sullivan & Cromwell, Selendy Gay, and others). Founder and Executive Director Lisa Schreibersdorf has announced her retirement at the end of 2026, and a national search for her successor is being conducted with DRG Talent.

Short descriptiontext

Brooklyn Defender Services is a nonprofit public defense office providing free criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal representation to over 40,000 low-income Brooklyn and Queens residents annually through 750 staff including attorneys, social workers, and investigators.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
501–1,000
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersBrooklyn, United States
HQ citystring
Brooklyn
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices6 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
public defense services, criminal defense representation, immigration legal services, family defense practice, civil legal advocacy
Industry2 codes
1Criminal Defense
CodeBPAHAAANPrimaryYes
2Personal Injury & Insurance Defense
CodeBPAHAAAMPrimaryNo
NAICS code2 codes
  • Individual and Family Services6241
  • Child and Youth Services624110
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Legal Services8111
Product category
Public Defense Legal Services
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model4 records
1Government Contracts for Public Defense
TypeManaged Services
Description

Primary revenue source: BDS receives funding from dozens of government agencies (city, state, federal) for public defense representation. Effective July 1, 2025, BDS assumed the criminal defense contract previously held by Queens Defenders, expanding service territory to Queens.

bds.org
2Foundation Grants and Private Foundation Funding
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Receives private funding and foundation grants to support specialized programming such as educational advocacy services, services for trafficking victims, essential client needs, Know Your Rights education, and other specialized projects. Recent foundation partners include Robin Hood Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, Porticus, Trinity Church Wall Street, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and others.

bds.org
3Individual and Corporate Donations
TypeAffiliate Referral
Description

Accepts one-time, monthly recurring, stock donations, and donor-advised fund contributions from individual donors and corporations to support free legal representation and advocacy services. Stock and donor-advised fund gifts coordinated through Sabrina Paul ([email protected]).

bds.org
4Pro Bono Legal Services from Private Law Firms
TypeProfessional Services
Description

Receives donated attorney time from major law firms (e.g., Arnold & Porter, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Paul Weiss, Skadden, etc.) on individual cases, appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and other projects; coordinated by Molly Meltzer, Director of Pro Bono.

bds.org
Marketing channels7 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components6 values
Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Pricing details2 tiers
1All client legal services are free of charge — no fee model applies to service recipients
ModelOther
Notes

Services are free of charge to clients; BDS is funded by government contracts, foundation grants, and donations rather than client fees.

bds.org
2Donation tiers: One-time ($50/$100/$500/Other), Monthly recurring, Stock Donations, Donor-Advised Funds
ModelOtherBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

These are donation/solicitation tiers, not service prices. Donations support free legal representation; stock and donor-advised fund gifts coordinated via [email protected].

bds.org
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeServices
Services
Core offering1 text field

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a nonprofit public defense office that provides free legal representation, advocacy, and integrated social work services to people in Brooklyn and Queens facing criminal charges, family court proceedings (including child removal by ACS), immigration removal proceedings, and civil legal threats involving housing, benefits, education, and employment. Services are delivered through interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and investigators across specialized practice areas.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 4 values shown
  • Over 23,000 clients served in 2023 (and 40,000+ per year by 2026)
+3 more records
Product and service7 records
1Criminal Defense Practice
CategoryPublic Defense / Criminal Defense
Description

Free criminal defense representation for Brooklyn and Queens residents accused of crimes, including pre-trial advocacy, trial defense, plea negotiation, and specialized units for adolescents (12-21), people with mental illness, veterans, women, and homicide cases. All services provided free of charge to clients.

2Family Defense Practice
CategoryPublic Defense / Family Defense
Description

Free legal representation for parents and caregivers in Brooklyn facing child removal to the foster system by ACS in Family Court; provides legal advice during investigations, appeals, preservation of family bonds, and clearing of SCR records. Integrates social workers and attorneys with a dedicated Mental Health Team.

3Immigration Practice
CategoryPublic Defense / Immigration Defense
Description

Free legal representation for immigrant New Yorkers facing deportation or seeking immigration benefits, including asylum, U/T visas, SIJS, DACA renewal, and family-based lawful permanent status. Includes detained-immigrant representation through NYIFUP and federal appellate litigation.

4Civil Justice Practice
CategoryPublic Defense / Civil Legal Services
Description

Free civil legal services for current and former BDS clients facing housing, benefits, education, or employment threats connected to the criminal, family, or immigration legal systems. Includes eviction defense, benefits appeals, education rights, employment discrimination, record sealing, and reentry support.

5Social Work Services
CategoryPublic Defense / Social Work
Description

Free social work services integrated with legal representation to address non-legal barriers (housing, benefits, education, employment, mental health, reentry) that affect clients' legal outcomes. Embedded across criminal, family, immigration, and civil practices.

6Policy, Advocacy & Reform
CategoryPolicy Advocacy and Systemic Reform
Description

Systemic litigation, legislative advocacy, and policy reform work on issues affecting BDS clients and low-income communities of color, including criminal justice reform, family court reform, immigrant rights, surveillance oversight, and housing policy.

7Community Engagement Services
CategoryCommunity Outreach and Education
Description

Community-based outreach and education through the East New York Community Office, including Know Your Rights forums, legal information clinics, referrals, advice, and counsel; reaches walk-in community members who may not yet be BDS clients.

Scale indicator10 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership76 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments. Coordinated by Molly Meltzer, Director of Pro Bono.

Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierCoreTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Co-counsel with The Legal Aid Society on a federal class action lawsuit against the NYC Department of Correction concerning DOC's failure to provide incarcerated New Yorkers access to medical care; jointly filed contempt motion and reply brief.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Co-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in New York's process for appealing listings on the State's child abuse and maltreatment registry (SCR).

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Pro bono counsel representing NYC public defenders (BDS, Bronx Defenders, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, New York County Defender Services, Queens Defenders) in amicus brief supporting NYC Council and Public Advocate's lawsuit to invalidate Mayor Adams' suspension of the ban on solitary confinement.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on multiple joint initiatives: (1) joint representation of clients in Brooklyn Criminal Court, (2) co-counsel on federal class action against NYC DOC for medical care access, (3) NYIFUP partnership with The Bronx Defenders for detained immigrants facing deportation, (4) joint advocacy statements and National Day of Action statements, (5) joint amicus brief supporting Protect Our Courts Act.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner: NYIFUP partnership for detained immigrants facing deportation (with The Legal Aid Society); joint advocacy statements including National Day of Action for Public Defense; coalition advocacy on solitary confinement and other issues.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint advocacy statements (Day of Action for Public Defense), joint amicus briefs (Protect Our Courts Act), and coalition advocacy (solitary confinement, etc.).

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint advocacy statements (Day of Action for Public Defense), joint amicus briefs (Protect Our Courts Act), coalition advocacy, and on immigration appeals rule litigation.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

BDS joined with Queens Defenders and other NYC public defenders on amicus brief supporting NYC Council and Public Advocate's lawsuit to invalidate the Mayor's suspension of solitary confinement ban. Effective July 1, 2025, BDS assumed the criminal defense contract previously held by Queens Defenders.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case, defending immigrant New Yorkers' access to state courthouses.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case; organizational partner on immigration advocacy.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case; LEAP member.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Coalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Organizational partner supporting BDS' Civil Justice Practice work on civil legal services for low-income clients.

42The Hope Reichbach Fund
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Organizational partner supporting BDS' Civil Justice Practice work on civil legal services.

bds.org
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Equal Justice Works Fellowship sponsored by PepsiCo supports BDS' Civil Justice Practice work.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

BDS is a member of the LEAP coalition (Legal Education and Practice), a coalition of civil legal services providers. Members include BOOM!HEALTH, The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, CAMBA Legal Services, Catholic Migration Services, The Door, Goddard Riverside Law Project, Housing Conservation Coordinators, JASA Legal Services for Elder Justice, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Make the Road New York, Mobilization for Justice, The Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation Legal Services, TakeRoot Justice, Urban Justice Center, and Volunteers of Legal Service.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; formal partnership to provide clinics and serve as a placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; placement for legal interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

53LIU School of Social Work
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

bds.org
Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Educational partner; field placement for MSW interns.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Social Work organizational partner; donated 1,000 coats for distribution to BDS clients and partner organizations.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Partner on two initiatives: (1) The SAFE Cities Network partnership and (2) The National Qualified Representative Program partnership — both related to immigration representation.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Organizational partner on immigration advocacy and representation work.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Organizational partner on immigration services and access to healthcare for clients.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in New York's process for appealing listings on the State Central Register of child abuse and maltreatment.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in the SCR listing appeals process.

Strategic tierMinorTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in the SCR listing appeals process.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the Trump-Vance administration's immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review at the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Newmark Group represented Brooklyn Defender Services in the 212,000-SF 31-year headquarters lease at The Wheeler, Tishman Speyer's 10-story mixed-use development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.

Strategic tierFlagshipTypeOthers
Description

Tishman Speyer is the landlord for BDS' future consolidated headquarters at The Wheeler, a 10-story mixed-use development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn. Under a 31-year synthetic leasehold condominium agreement, BDS will occupy 212,000 SF across six full floors beginning late 2026, consolidating five prior locations.

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Web design partner for the BDS website (bds.org).

Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Film and animation partner for BDS digital content.

74Aundre Larrow
Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Photography partner for BDS website and marketing assets.

bds.org
75Day1Pictures
Strategic tierMinorTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

Leadership headshot photography partner for BDS staff and Board.

bds.org
Strategic tierFlagshipTypeImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner
Description

BDS' Board of Directors in conjunction with DRG Talent will conduct a national search for a new Executive Director following Lisa Schreibersdorf's retirement at the end of 2026, with the new leader to take over on January 1, 2027.

Recent move8 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight5 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

Holistic Bronx-based public defender with interdisciplinary model (attorneys, social workers, advocates) very similar to BDS; coalition partner on NYIFUP and joint advocacy; pioneer of the holistic defense model BDS emulates.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Harlem-based holistic public defender with community-centered, interdisciplinary model directly comparable to BDS; co-plaintiff with BDS in immigration appeals rule litigation and coalition partner on Day of Action.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Manhattan-based public defender providing interdisciplinary representation across criminal, civil, and immigration matters; coalition partner with BDS on Protect Our Courts Act and Day of Action.

TypeDirect peer
Description

NYC family defense and juvenile representation organization using interdisciplinary teams; co-counsel with BDS on the federal SCR listing class action lawsuit and shares the family-court holistic practice focus.

TypeEmerging player
Description

NYC immigrant and worker rights organization providing legal services alongside organizing; coalition partner with BDS on immigration-related amicus briefs; comparable client base but broader organizing mission.

TypeEmerging player
Description

National Latino civil rights legal organization with significant NYC presence; coalition partner with BDS on immigration appeals litigation; comparable focus on immigrant and POC legal defense.

TypeRegional player
Description

Long Island public defender organization; coalition partner with BDS on Protect Our Courts Act and similar mission; comparable practice areas but different geography.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

National nonprofit focused on criminal justice reform; BDS partners with Vera on the SAFE Cities Network and National Qualified Representative Program; broader policy/research mandate complements BDS's direct service model.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Largest NYC public defender with multiple practice areas including criminal defense, civil, and juvenile rights; coalition partner with BDS on NYIFUP, federal DOC litigation, and Day of Action advocacy; serves as BDS's closest direct comparable in scale and mission.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Former NYC public defender whose criminal defense contract was assumed by BDS effective July 1, 2025; historically a direct peer in borough-based public defense, now in transition.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile6 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

Integration3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature4 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles15 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Brooklyn Defender Services

Public Defense Legal Servicesbds.org

Brooklyn Defender Services is a nonprofit public defense office providing free criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal representation to over 40,000 low-income Brooklyn and Queens residents annually through 750 staff including attorneys, social workers, and investigators.

What Brooklyn Defender Services does

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a nonprofit public defense office founded in 1996 by Lisa Schreibersdorf that provides free legal representation, advocacy, and social work services to low-income residents of Brooklyn and, since July 1, 2025, Queens, New York. The organization serves more than 40,000 clients annually through 750 staff — including attorneys, social workers, paralegals, investigators, and administrative professionals — organized into seven practice areas: Criminal Defense, Family Defense, Immigration, Civil Justice, Social Work, Policy/Advocacy/Reform, and Community Engagement. 89% of clients are people of color, and the practice integrates interdisciplinary teams to handle the intersection of criminal, family, immigration, and civil matters that frequently co-occur for indigent defendants. BDS operates from multiple Brooklyn offices (177 Livingston Street headquarters, 156 Pierrepont Street, and a walk-in Community Office at 566 Livonia Avenue in East New York), two Queens offices (Forest Hills regional headquarters and Jamaica), and has signed a 31-year lease for 212,000 square feet across six floors at Tishman Speyer's The Wheeler (422 Fulton Street), consolidating operations in late 2026.

The organization's operational stack includes a multilingual website supporting 11 languages (Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Uzbek) via an embedded Google Translate widget, SSL-encrypted client data collection, an opt-in SMS/MMS intake and notification system, ADP Workforce Now for recruitment, and MobileCause for donation processing. Distinctive in-house capabilities include the Forensic Science Practice and Science and Surveillance Project, which review forensic evidence and digital surveillance issues in criminal cases, and a dedicated Seizure and Surveillance Defense attorney. All client services are free of charge; BDS is funded through NYC government contracts for public defense (including the assumed Queens Defenders contract), grants from 16+ foundation partners (Robin Hood, Booth Ferris, Trinity Church Wall Street, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Porticus, NY Community Trust, NY Bar Foundation, Thomson-Reuters, NBPA Foundation, and others), individual and corporate donations, and substantial pro bono participation from 30+ major law firms (Arnold & Porter, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Paul Weiss, Skadden, Milbank, Sullivan & Cromwell, Selendy Gay, and others). Founder and Executive Director Lisa Schreibersdorf has announced her retirement at the end of 2026, and a national search for her successor is being conducted with DRG Talent.

Brooklyn Defender Services firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Brooklyn Defender Services
Legal name
Brooklyn Defender Services
Website
https://bds.org
Company type
Private
Founded year
1996
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
501–1,000 employees
Short description
Brooklyn Defender Services is a nonprofit public defense office providing free criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal representation to over 40,000 low-income Brooklyn and Queens residents annually through 750 staff including attorneys, social workers, and investigators.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Brooklyn Defender Services industry classification

Industry
Product category
Public Defense Legal Services
NAICS
Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (624110)
SIC
Services-Legal Services (8111)
akta.pro primary industry
Criminal Defense (BPAHAAAN)
akta.pro secondary industry
Personal Injury & Insurance Defense (BPAHAAAM)

Keywords

  • Public defense services
  • Criminal defense representation
  • Immigration legal services
  • Family defense practice
  • Civil legal advocacy

Where Brooklyn Defender Services is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Brooklyn
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

Brooklyn Defender Services business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

  1. Government Contracts for Public Defense: Primary revenue source: BDS receives funding from dozens of government agencies (city, state, federal) for public defense representation. Effective July 1, 2025, BDS assumed the criminal defense contract previously held by Queens Defenders, expanding service territory to Queens.
  2. Foundation Grants and Private Foundation Funding: Receives private funding and foundation grants to support specialized programming such as educational advocacy services, services for trafficking victims, essential client needs, Know Your Rights education, and other specialized projects. Recent foundation partners include Robin Hood Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, Porticus, Trinity Church Wall Street, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and others.
  3. Individual and Corporate Donations: Accepts one-time, monthly recurring, stock donations, and donor-advised fund contributions from individual donors and corporations to support free legal representation and advocacy services. Stock and donor-advised fund gifts coordinated through Sabrina Paul ([email protected]).
  4. Pro Bono Legal Services from Private Law Firms: Receives donated attorney time from major law firms (e.g., Arnold & Porter, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk, Paul Weiss, Skadden, etc.) on individual cases, appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and other projects; coordinated by Molly Meltzer, Director of Pro Bono.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
Other—All client legal services are free of charge — no fee model applies to service recipients
OtherPay-as-you-goDonation tiers: One-time ($50/$100/$500/Other), Monthly recurring, Stock Donations, Donor-Advised Funds

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Brooklyn Defender Services product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a nonprofit public defense office that provides free legal representation, advocacy, and integrated social work services to people in Brooklyn and Queens facing criminal charges, family court proceedings (including child removal by ACS), immigration removal proceedings, and civil legal threats involving housing, benefits, education, and employment. Services are delivered through interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and investigators across specialized practice areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Criminal Defense Practice Free criminal defense representation for Brooklyn and Queens residents accused of crimes, including pre-trial advocacy, trial defense, plea negotiation, and specialized units for adolescents (12-21), people with mental illness, veterans, women, and homicide cases. All services provided free of charge to clients.
  • Family Defense Practice Free legal representation for parents and caregivers in Brooklyn facing child removal to the foster system by ACS in Family Court; provides legal advice during investigations, appeals, preservation of family bonds, and clearing of SCR records. Integrates social workers and attorneys with a dedicated Mental Health Team.
  • Immigration Practice Free legal representation for immigrant New Yorkers facing deportation or seeking immigration benefits, including asylum, U/T visas, SIJS, DACA renewal, and family-based lawful permanent status. Includes detained-immigrant representation through NYIFUP and federal appellate litigation.
  • Civil Justice Practice Free civil legal services for current and former BDS clients facing housing, benefits, education, or employment threats connected to the criminal, family, or immigration legal systems. Includes eviction defense, benefits appeals, education rights, employment discrimination, record sealing, and reentry support.
  • Social Work Services Free social work services integrated with legal representation to address non-legal barriers (housing, benefits, education, employment, mental health, reentry) that affect clients' legal outcomes. Embedded across criminal, family, immigration, and civil practices.
  • Policy, Advocacy & Reform Systemic litigation, legislative advocacy, and policy reform work on issues affecting BDS clients and low-income communities of color, including criminal justice reform, family court reform, immigrant rights, surveillance oversight, and housing policy.
  • Community Engagement Services Community-based outreach and education through the East New York Community Office, including Know Your Rights forums, legal information clinics, referrals, advice, and counsel; reaches walk-in community members who may not yet be BDS clients.

Quantifiable outcome

  • Over 23,000 clients served in 2023 (and 40,000+ per year by 2026)
  • +3 more outcomes

Companies that use Brooklyn Defender Services

Customer profile

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Brooklyn Defender Services technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Brooklyn Defender Services partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

76 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

  • Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments. Coordinated by Molly Meltzer, Director of Pro Bono.
  • Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and AffiliatescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Boies Schiller Flexner LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Covington & Burling LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Debevoise & Plimpton LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • DentonsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Jenner & Block LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Kasowitz, Benson & Torres LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Linklaters LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Mayer Brown LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • MoloLamken LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • O'Melveny & Myers LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Proskauer Rose LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Sidley Austin LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & RosatiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Winston & Strawn LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono partner; works on individual cases, affirmative and defensive appeals, federal litigation, amicus briefs, and public comments.
  • Milbank LLPflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCo-counsel with The Legal Aid Society on a federal class action lawsuit against the NYC Department of Correction concerning DOC's failure to provide incarcerated New Yorkers access to medical care; jointly filed contempt motion and reply brief.
  • Sullivan & Cromwell LLPflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCo-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in New York's process for appealing listings on the State's child abuse and maltreatment registry (SCR).
  • Selendy Gay PLLCflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono counsel representing NYC public defenders (BDS, Bronx Defenders, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, New York County Defender Services, Queens Defenders) in amicus brief supporting NYC Council and Public Advocate's lawsuit to invalidate Mayor Adams' suspension of the ban on solitary confinement.
  • The Legal Aid SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on multiple joint initiatives: (1) joint representation of clients in Brooklyn Criminal Court, (2) co-counsel on federal class action against NYC DOC for medical care access, (3) NYIFUP partnership with The Bronx Defenders for detained immigrants facing deportation, (4) joint advocacy statements and National Day of Action statements, (5) joint amicus brief supporting Protect Our Courts Act.
  • The Bronx DefendersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner: NYIFUP partnership for detained immigrants facing deportation (with The Legal Aid Society); joint advocacy statements including National Day of Action for Public Defense; coalition advocacy on solitary confinement and other issues.
  • Neighborhood Defender Service of HarlemflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint advocacy statements (Day of Action for Public Defense), joint amicus briefs (Protect Our Courts Act), and coalition advocacy (solitary confinement, etc.).
  • New York County Defender ServicesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint advocacy statements (Day of Action for Public Defense), joint amicus briefs (Protect Our Courts Act), coalition advocacy, and on immigration appeals rule litigation.
  • Queens DefenderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBDS joined with Queens Defenders and other NYC public defenders on amicus brief supporting NYC Council and Public Advocate's lawsuit to invalidate the Mayor's suspension of solitary confinement ban. Effective July 1, 2025, BDS assumed the criminal defense contract previously held by Queens Defenders.
  • LatinoJustice PRLDEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case, defending immigrant New Yorkers' access to state courthouses.
  • Immigrant Defense ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case; organizational partner on immigration advocacy.
  • Make the Road New YorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case; LEAP member.
  • Sanctuary for FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case.
  • The Legal Aid Society of Suffolk CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner on joint amicus brief supporting New York State's response to DOJ's appeal in the Protect Our Courts Act case.
  • New York Legal Assistance GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizational partner supporting BDS' Civil Justice Practice work on civil legal services for low-income clients.
  • The Hope Reichbach FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizational partner supporting BDS' Civil Justice Practice work on civil legal services.
  • Equal Justice Works Fellowship (Sponsored by PepsiCo)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEqual Justice Works Fellowship sponsored by PepsiCo supports BDS' Civil Justice Practice work.
  • LEAP (Legal Education and Practice Coalition)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBDS is a member of the LEAP coalition (Legal Education and Practice), a coalition of civil legal services providers. Members include BOOM!HEALTH, The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, CAMBA Legal Services, Catholic Migration Services, The Door, Goddard Riverside Law Project, Housing Conservation Coordinators, JASA Legal Services for Elder Justice, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Make the Road New York, Mobilization for Justice, The Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation Legal Services, TakeRoot Justice, Urban Justice Center, and Volunteers of Legal Service.
  • Brooklyn Law School (Disability and Civil Rights Clinic)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; formal partnership to provide clinics and serve as a placement for legal interns.
  • Fordham Law School (Feerick Center for Social Justice)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; placement for legal interns.
  • New York Law School (Education Law and Policy Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; placement for legal interns.
  • New York University School of Law (Family Defense Clinic)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; placement for legal interns.
  • New York University School of Law (Criminal Defense and Reentry Clinic)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; placement for legal interns.
  • Cornell Law SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; placement for legal interns.
  • Columbia School of Social WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • Fordham University Graduate School of Social ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • LIU School of Social WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • NYU Silver School of Social WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • Smith College School for Social WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • Wurzweiler School of Social Work YeshivaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner; field placement for MSW interns.
  • New York CaresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Work organizational partner; donated 1,000 coats for distribution to BDS clients and partner organizations.
  • Vera Institute of JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on two initiatives: (1) The SAFE Cities Network partnership and (2) The National Qualified Representative Program partnership — both related to immigration representation.
  • Immigrant Justice CorpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizational partner on immigration advocacy and representation work.
  • Community Healthcare NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizational partner on immigration services and access to healthcare for clients.
  • The Center for Family RepresentationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in New York's process for appealing listings on the State Central Register of child abuse and maltreatment.
  • Family Justice Law CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in the SCR listing appeals process.
  • NYU Family Defense ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-counsel on a federal class action lawsuit challenging unconstitutional delays in the SCR listing appeals process.
  • Amica Center for Immigrant RightscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the Trump-Vance administration's immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review at the Board of Immigration Appeals.
  • Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.
  • HIAScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.
  • American Immigration CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.
  • National Immigrant Justice CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging the immigration appeals rule that would eliminate meaningful judicial review.
  • Newmark GroupflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNewmark Group represented Brooklyn Defender Services in the 212,000-SF 31-year headquarters lease at The Wheeler, Tishman Speyer's 10-story mixed-use development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
  • Tishman SpeyerflagshipOthersTishman Speyer is the landlord for BDS' future consolidated headquarters at The Wheeler, a 10-story mixed-use development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn. Under a 31-year synthetic leasehold condominium agreement, BDS will occupy 212,000 SF across six full floors beginning late 2026, consolidating five prior locations.
  • HyperaktminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWeb design partner for the BDS website (bds.org).
  • MediaTankminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFilm and animation partner for BDS digital content.
  • Aundre LarrowminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPhotography partner for BDS website and marketing assets.
  • Day1PicturesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLeadership headshot photography partner for BDS staff and Board.
  • DRG TalentflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBDS' Board of Directors in conjunction with DRG Talent will conduct a national search for a new Executive Director following Lisa Schreibersdorf's retirement at the end of 2026, with the new leader to take over on January 1, 2027.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Brooklyn Defender Services competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • The Bronx Defenders: Holistic Bronx-based public defender with interdisciplinary model (attorneys, social workers, advocates) very similar to BDS; coalition partner on NYIFUP and joint advocacy; pioneer of the holistic defense model BDS emulates.
  • Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem: Harlem-based holistic public defender with community-centered, interdisciplinary model directly comparable to BDS; co-plaintiff with BDS in immigration appeals rule litigation and coalition partner on Day of Action.
  • New York County Defender Services: Manhattan-based public defender providing interdisciplinary representation across criminal, civil, and immigration matters; coalition partner with BDS on Protect Our Courts Act and Day of Action.
  • Center for Family Representation: NYC family defense and juvenile representation organization using interdisciplinary teams; co-counsel with BDS on the federal SCR listing class action lawsuit and shares the family-court holistic practice focus.
  • The Legal Aid Society: Largest NYC public defender with multiple practice areas including criminal defense, civil, and juvenile rights; coalition partner with BDS on NYIFUP, federal DOC litigation, and Day of Action advocacy; serves as BDS's closest direct comparable in scale and mission.
  • Queens Defenders: Former NYC public defender whose criminal defense contract was assumed by BDS effective July 1, 2025; historically a direct peer in borough-based public defense, now in transition.

Emerging players

  • Make the Road New York: NYC immigrant and worker rights organization providing legal services alongside organizing; coalition partner with BDS on immigration-related amicus briefs; comparable client base but broader organizing mission.
  • LatinoJustice PRLDEF: National Latino civil rights legal organization with significant NYC presence; coalition partner with BDS on immigration appeals litigation; comparable focus on immigrant and POC legal defense.

Regional players

  • Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County: Long Island public defender organization; coalition partner with BDS on Protect Our Courts Act and similar mission; comparable practice areas but different geography.

Broad incumbents

  • Vera Institute of Justice: National nonprofit focused on criminal justice reform; BDS partners with Vera on the SAFE Cities Network and National Qualified Representative Program; broader policy/research mandate complements BDS's direct service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Brooklyn Defender Services social profiles

Digital presence

Brooklyn Defender Services financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Brooklyn Defender Services leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Brooklyn Defender Services funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Brooklyn Defender Services M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brooklyn Defender Services

What does Brooklyn Defender Services do?

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is a nonprofit public defense office that provides free legal representation, advocacy, and integrated social work services to people in Brooklyn and Queens facing criminal charges, family court proceedings (including child removal by ACS), immigration removal proceedings, and civil legal threats involving housing, benefits, education, and employment. Services are delivered through interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and investigators across specialized practice areas.

Is Brooklyn Defender Services a public or private company?

Brooklyn Defender Services is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Brooklyn Defender Services founded?

Brooklyn Defender Services was founded in 1996. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.

Where is Brooklyn Defender Services based?

Brooklyn Defender Services is headquartered in Brooklyn, United States, in the North America region.

How does Brooklyn Defender Services make money?

Four revenue lines are on record. Government Contracts for Public Defense is the primary driver. The others are foundation Grants and Private Foundation Funding, individual and Corporate Donations and pro Bono Legal Services from Private Law Firms.

Who are Brooklyn Defender Services's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are The Bronx Defenders, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, New York County Defender Services, Center for Family Representation, The Legal Aid Society and Queens Defenders. Emerging players are Make the Road New York and LatinoJustice PRLDEF. Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County is listed as a regional player. Vera Institute of Justice is listed as a broad incumbent.

Does Brooklyn Defender Services have an API?

No public API is recorded for Brooklyn Defender Services.

What industry is Brooklyn Defender Services in?

Brooklyn Defender Services's product category is Public Defense Legal Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAAAN, Criminal Defense, with a secondary code of BPAHAAAM, Personal Injury & Insurance Defense. Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8111.

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Live signals
UAWBrooklyn Defender Services Statement on Decision to Strike - UAWBrooklyn Defender Services announced a work stoppage after months of bargaining with the UAW failed to reach a tentative agreement. The union's staff will handle cases, and the office will continue negotiations. BDS cites a strong offer and record public defense funding as context.The Real DealNew York City’s top office leases in JuneNew York City commercial real estate activity in June featured law firms dominating the top office leases, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett signing the largest deal at approximately 916,000 square feet at 570 Fifth Avenue in the Plaza District. Google renewed its 411,000 square foot lease at 315 Hudson Street in Soho, while Brooklyn Defender Services committed to a 31-year lease for 212,000 square feet in Brooklyn Heights. The remaining top leases included tenants across the legal, technology, investment, and transit sectors signing deals ranging from 55,000 to 170,000 square feet throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City.PR NewswireNewmark Represents Brooklyn Defender Services in 212,000-SF Headquarters Lease at Tishman Speyer's The WheelerNewmark Group represented Brooklyn Defender Services in a 212,000-square-foot headquarters lease at The Wheeler, Tishman Speyer's 10-story mixed-use development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn. Under a 31-year synthetic leasehold condominium agreement, BDS will consolidate five separate locations into six full floors of the approximately 617,000-square-foot property, bringing the building to full occupancy. Brooklyn Defender Services is a nonprofit public defense organization providing free legal representation to individuals and families throughout Brooklyn.citybizBrooklyn Defender Services to Establish Headquarters in 212,000 SF at Tishman Speyer’s The WheelerTishman Speyer announced an agreement with Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) to establish the nonprofit organization's headquarters at The Wheeler, a 10-story development at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn, as part of a 31-year lease covering 212,000 square feet across six full floors. BDS, a public defense organization providing free legal representation, will consolidate its workforce from multiple Downtown Brooklyn locations beginning in late 2026. The Wheeler, Tishman Speyer's 617,000-square-foot development, is now fully leased to a roster of New York City nonprofit institutions including Brooklyn Prospect and St. Francis College.American City Business JournalsBrooklyn Defender Services to open new downtown HQBrooklyn Defender Services signed a long-term lease for 212,000 square feet at The Wheeler in downtown Brooklyn. The public defense office will move staff from other downtown offices into the six-floor space by late 2026. Lease terms were not disclosed.The IndependentWoman gives birth inside NYC courtroom while handcuffed to bench after 24 hours in custody, legal aid groups saySamantha Randazzo, 33, gave birth while handcuffed to a courtroom bench in Brooklyn on Friday after being held in custody for over 24 hours, according to legal aid groups who described the experience as traumatic and humiliating. The Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, and other advocacy organizations issued a joint statement demanding an immediate investigation into NYPD and the court system's treatment of pregnant people in custody, calling the incident a "profound moral failure." Randazzo was arrested on charges of drug possession and trespassing after being found on the roof of her building with a small amount of heroin and cocaine.Queens Daily EagleCivil legal service fund go unchanged in gov’s budget amendments — Queens Daily EagleGovernor Kathy Hochul did not include an additional $25 million allocation for the Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund in her 30-day amendments to the 2027 proposed executive budget, leaving the fund at $77.5 million instead of the $102.5 million requested by the organization. Multiple legal aid organizations, including the Legal Aid Society, Queens County Bar Association, and Brooklyn Defender Services, expressed disappointment and warned that the funding gap could result in staff cuts, service disruptions, and risks to multi-year contract commitments. The IOLA Fund, which derives its money from interest on attorney escrow accounts rather than taxes, is currently in the second year of a five-year grant cycle, and advocates say the insufficient funding could force organizations to cut programs serving low-income New Yorkers in housing, domestic abuse, and immigration cases.Aclu-CoImmigrants' RightsThe page outlines immigrant rights guaranteed under the Constitution and promotes resources from the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. It also highlights a video series by ACLU and Brooklyn Defender Services, voiced in multiple languages, to guide communities facing ICE enforcement.GlobeNewswireLitify Selected as the Legal Technology Platform for Brooklyn Defender Services to Grow Its Mission to Serve Those in Need of Legal AssistanceBrooklyn Defender Services selected Litify, a Salesforce-based legal operating system, as its technology platform. The move will consolidate outdated systems and enable real-time caseload and client interaction management. Litify's mobile capability and document management integration will support staff working from various locations.PR NewswireBrooklyn Defender Services Identifies and Addresses Data Security IncidentBrooklyn Defender Services, a public defender organization, announced it discovered unauthorized access to employee email accounts and, on September 13, 2020, determined that personal data of employees and clients—including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, health information, and biometric data—may have been compromised. The organization is notifying affected individuals and offering complimentary credit monitoring services through Kroll. Brooklyn Defender Services has implemented additional authentication and data security measures to prevent future incidents.