Paralegal, Women’s Defense Project, CDP

Brooklyn Defender Services•New York, NY

2d•$73,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services seeks a Paralegal to join the Women’s Defense Project (WDP) within its Criminal Defense Practice. The paralegal will help clients obtain relief under New York’s START Act, which allows trafficking survivors to ask a court to vacate prior convictions related to their trafficking. Working closely with an attorney, the paralegal will identify and conduct outreach to potentially eligible past and current clients, support the preparation and submission of START motions, and maintain client records. The position is based at Brooklyn Defenders’ offices and in courts located in Brooklyn. It is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit, with a normal Monday-to-Friday schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

College degree or four years of paralegal/legal assistant experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and ensure tasks are completed fully and on time.
Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, or ability to learn these applications.
Ability to learn BDS’ digital case management and document management systems.
Willingness to learn about post-conviction and vacatur relief.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing legal documents.
Experience working with criminalized survivors of gender-based violence and individuals experiencing crisis.

Responsibilities

Work with WDP attorneys to identify past and current clients who may be eligible for START relief.
Assist in interviewing clients and collateral contacts.
Gather supporting documentation and information for START motions.
Assist in drafting and submitting START motions to the appropriate prosecutor's office and court.
Maintain accurate digital and paper files and enter information into the digital Case Management System.
Draft and submit requests for documents and information from entities such as law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
Obtain copies of court files and certificates of disposition from in-state and out-of-state courts.
Follow BDS confidentiality policies to safeguard client information.
Request transcripts from court proceedings.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.