Paralegal Specialist - Legal - Boston

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Perform a full range of paralegal duties for the Department of Correction (DOC) Legal Division in the Boston Legal Office. Duties and responsibilities will vary upon the nature of the particular litigation and include assisting DOC attorneys in the defense of civil rights litigation and other legal proceedings brought by incarcerated individuals in state and federal courts, and in other legal proceedings conducted before administrative bodies. This includes reviewing and redacting case records in response to requests for completed investigations, electronic and other discovery, and public record requests. The role also involves obtaining, compiling, reviewing, and redacting relevant documents, logs, reports, and administrative records from various correctional facilities and administrative divisions within the DOC. Additionally, the paralegal will assist in drafting affidavits, responding to discovery requests (including electronic discovery), attending interviews with DOC attorneys and employees, delivering documents to opposing counsel, and filing court papers. Coordination of pre-trial discovery, assistance with depositions and deposition summaries, witness attendance, and scheduling of trials are also key responsibilities. The paralegal will support DOC counsel at trial by creating and maintaining trial notebooks and exhibits, assisting with witnesses, and maintaining litigation schedules and files. Electronic document management, record keeping, and interaction with opposing counsel and the court for scheduling purposes are expected. The role also includes assisting DOC attorneys in appellate work, including electronic filing of appellate briefs. Other tasks include maintenance of litigation files and case tracking documents, creation of charts and spreadsheets, operation of office machines, word processing, answering the main phone line, and mail delivery. Familiarity with Westlaw and Lexis for legal research, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and court electronic docket systems is required, as is the ability to learn and use DOC-specific databases and computer programs. Maintaining confidentiality of all records and data is crucial.

Requirements

• Familiarity with Westlaw and Lexis for legal research purposes.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and court electronic docket systems.
• Ability to learn and use DOC-specific databases and computer programs.
• At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions.
• 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.
• Familiarity with electronic document management for major systems and other litigation.
• Experience with civil litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist DOC attorneys in the defense of civil rights litigation and other legal proceedings.
• Review and redact case records for investigations, discovery, and public record requests.
• Obtain, compile, review, and redact relevant documents and records from various DOC facilities and divisions.
• Assist in drafting affidavits and responding to discovery requests, including electronic discovery.
• Attend interviews and discussions with DOC attorneys and employees regarding pending litigation.
• Deliver documents to opposing counsel and file court papers.
• Coordinate pre-trial discovery and assist with depositions and deposition summaries.
• Assist with witness attendance and scheduling of trials.
• Assist DOC counsel at trial by creating and maintaining trial notebooks and exhibits, and assisting with witnesses.
• Maintain litigation schedules and files.
• Assist with electronic document management and record keeping.
• Interact with opposing counsel and the court for scheduling purposes.
• Assist DOC attorneys in appellate work, including electronic filing of appellate briefs.
• Perform other tasks as needed, including maintenance of litigation files and case tracking documents.
• Create charts and spreadsheets.
• Operate office machines, including computers, copiers, and facsimile machines.
• Perform word processing.
• Answer the main phone line as needed.
• Deliver mail to the U.S. Post Office.
• Maintain confidentiality of all records and data.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree