Paralegal II, Criminal Trials (Citywide)

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

5d • $61,245 - $93,803 • Onsite

About The Position

The Criminal Defense Practice has openings in all boroughs for full-time Paralegal IIs to provide client services in the Trial offices.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred)
• A paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program
• At minimum a high school diploma / GED and 4+ years of legal work experience
• 4+ years of combined higher education and legal work experience
• Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people is strongly desired
• Excellent writing, verbal, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in legal research
• Proficiency in computer and word processing skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to multi-task
• Some knowledge of New York criminal law and criminal procedures
• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

Responsibilities

• Research, digest, and outline case records (e.g. medical, criminal history, schools, etc.)
• Draft legal memoranda, pre-trial motions, subpoenas, and orders to produce
• Serve and file legal documents
• Assist in maintaining client files, both electronic and physical
• Interview and assess client requests for services
• Assist with case preparation for trial, disposition and discovery
• Prepare written reports summarizing compiled information
• Obtain and copy court files
• Obtain Certificates of Disposition for clients
• Obtain minutes from court proceedings
• Obtain and review client records and determine course of action
• Handle client and agency correspondence in connection with cases
• Serve as a liaison between attorneys and clients
• Assist clients in completing forms, releases, and other documents
• Assist clients with obtaining property back after arrest
• Refer clients to outside agencies
• Other duties assigned

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid vacation
• disability
• life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level