Legal Assistant 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets • Albany, NY

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Legal Assistant 1 or Trainee to work within the Counsel’s Office. This is a permanent, office-based position located at 10B Airline Drive in Albany, NY. The role is full-time, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Opportunities for telecommuting may be available in accordance with the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines. The department is dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry and offers opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Requirements

• High school or high school equivalency diploma
• One year of clerical, administrative, or paraprofessional experience
• An associate degree (or higher) in any field, where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) (can substitute for education and experience)
• One year of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (for Trainee 2 advanced placement)
• Two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (for Legal Assistant 1 advanced placement)
• An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program OR a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant program where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) (for Legal Assistant 1 advanced placement substitution)
• An associate degree in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND one year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (for Legal Assistant 1 advanced placement substitution)
• Graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar (for Legal Assistant 1 advanced placement substitution)
• One year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law (for transfer qualifications)
• Completion of 3 acceptable courses in Paralegal coursework (for 70.1 transfer to Trainee 2)
• One year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 12 title or higher (for 70.4 transfer to Legal Assistant 1)
• Received a passing score on the most recent Legal Assistant 1 examination (for 70.4 transfer to Legal Assistant 1)
• Previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated (Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4)
• High school or high school equivalency diploma AND one year of clerical, administrative, or paraprofessional experience (for 55-b/c qualifications)
• An associate degree (or higher) in any field, where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) (for 55-b/c qualification substitution)

Nice To Haves

• Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level.
• Candidates may be eligible for appointment to this position if they meet NY HELPS minimum qualifications.
• Candidates may be eligible for appointment to this position if they meet Reassignment Qualifications.
• Candidates may be appointed to this position permanently if they have one year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
• Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 12 title or higher.
• An associate's degree (or higher) in a paralegal/legal assistant program OR a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant program where either the degree or certificate was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or college or university accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) (for 70.1 and 70.4 transfer qualifications)
• Non-qualifying degrees include but are not limited to degrees in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Liberal Arts, Political Science, Business Administration and Business Management.
• Non-degree certificates of completion or diplomas awarded by a training institution or company not regionally accredited or accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) are not qualifying.

Responsibilities

• Compile and organize files and documentation
• Assist with FOIL processing and FOIL document review
• Prepare and assist in the preparation of legal documents and forms
• Catalog information
• Update databases or spreadsheets
• Assist with calendaring of hearings and proceeding deadlines
• Prepare correspondence and subpoenas
• Conduct research

Benefits

• Cost-effective health insurance options
• Fully covered dental and vision care
• Participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan
• Ample paid time off (5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays in the first year)
• Optional Payment Election Program
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flex Spending Account
• NY's 529 College Savings Program
• Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED