Brooklyn Defenders celebrate legislative successes in 2023 annual report

April 25, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Brooklyn Criminal Court on Schermerhorn Street, a key venue for the Brooklyn Defenders' advocacy efforts as highlighted in their 2023 annual report. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

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In its 2023 annual report, Brooklyn Defenders, a public defense organization, outlined a year of robust legal advocacy and systemic reform efforts aimed at protecting the underrepresented in Brooklyn and New York State. The nonprofit, comprising 519 dedicated staff members, provided critical legal services across a wide array of areas, impacting thousands of lives.

In 2023, Brooklyn Defenders handled a total of 37,093 legal matters, including 29,697 criminal cases, with 88% of these resulting in a lesser charge or dismissal.

Their efforts extend beyond criminal defense, as they represented 2,715 parents in family court proceedings and advised 4,107 individuals on immigration, with 1,390 represented in deportation defense.

Lisa Schreibersdorf, founder and executive director of the group, explained the significance of this milestone year, marking the 60th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright — the Supreme Court decision guaranteeing the right to counsel — which she cited as foundational to their mission.

“The year 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, the landmark decision establishing the legal right to counsel for people charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney,” said Schreibersdorf. “This decision is foundational to our mission of providing meaningful access to representation and advocacy to people facing loss of freedom, family separation and other serious legal harms.”

The organization has been at the forefront of major legislative reforms. This includes their advocacy for the Clean Slate Act — now a law — which aims to mitigate the long-term consequences of criminal records. They also celebrated the enactment of the Parental Equity Act, aimed at protecting fathers’ rights in foster care proceedings, which they helped to draft and advocate for.

On a civil level, Brooklyn Defenders continued to combat the consequences of legal system involvement, handling cases concerning housing, employment barriers and education rights, among others. They partnered with Crowell & Moring LLP to file a lawsuit against NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services, accusing it of constitutional violations through invasive investigations.

Brooklyn Defenders also highlighted the essential role of their Pro Bono Unit, which collaborated with 24 leading law firms in 2023, enhancing their capacity to tackle complex legal challenges and systemic issues.

As the organization looks ahead to 2024, Schreibersdorf reiterated the ongoing need for community support and legislative action to address the disparities in the justice system, particularly for marginalized groups in New York.

“Pre-trial detention continues to disproportionately impact low-income, Black and Brown New Yorkers,” Schreibersdorf said. “The number of people with mental health needs detained in our city jails has increased year after year. Despite these devastating realities, New York State has continued to prioritize incarceration over investments in community-based resources. We’re demanding meaningful legislative change and calling on Albany to pass critical reforms that would reduce mass incarceration, enhance community safety, and disrupt cycles of destabilization.”