Paralegal Specialist - Souza Baranowski Correctional Center

About the position

The position involves performing a full range of paralegal duties for the Department of Correction (DOC) on site at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center. Responsibilities will vary depending on the nature of the litigation and include assisting DOC attorneys in defending incarcerated individual civil rights actions, tort claims, and other legal proceedings in state and federal courts. This includes research, document gathering, drafting affidavits, and responding to discovery requests. The paralegal will also keep the Superintendent informed of pending litigation, assist various institutional departments, attend interviews and discussions regarding litigation, and coordinate pre-trial discovery. Additional tasks include maintaining litigation files, providing information to opposing counsel, and performing other duties as needed, while ensuring confidentiality of all records and data.

Responsibilities

• Assist DOC attorneys in defending incarcerated individual civil rights actions, tort claims, and other legal proceedings.
• Draft affidavits, gather documents, and respond to discovery requests, including electronic discovery.
• Obtain, compile, review, and redact relevant documents for DOC attorneys.
• Keep the Superintendent apprised of pending litigation and communicate potential areas of concern.
• Assist various institutional departments to ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Attend interviews and discussions with DOC attorneys, the Superintendent, and employees regarding pending litigation.
• Review and gather institutional documents to respond to incarcerated individual correspondence.
• Coordinate pre-trial discovery and assist with deposition scheduling and summaries.
• Assist DOC counsel at trial by creating and maintaining trial notebooks and exhibits.
• Maintain litigation files, schedules, calendars, and assist with electronic document management.
• Provide information to opposing counsel, the courts, and the public in response to inquiries.
• Perform other tasks and duties as needed, including preparation of Request for Representation packets.
• Maintain Zoom database tracking system and schedule virtual visits.

Requirements

• At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work.
• An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.
• Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.
• No felony convictions as defined in relevant U.S. laws.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required based on assignment.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with discovery of electronically stored information.
• Experience with electronic document management for major systems and other litigation.
• Experience with litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Supportive work experience for employees and their families.