Investigation Division - Trial Preparation Assistant, Level II (ACPI)

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day. The Bronx County District Attorney’s Office (BXDA) Animal Cruelty Prosecution Initiative (ACPI), within the Investigations Division, is seeking Trial Preparation Assistant Level 2 to join ACPI’s multidisciplinary team consisting of ADAs, investigators, and professional staff members in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against animals in Bronx County which may include animal fighting, gross neglect and abandonment, the failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, and intentionally abusing, torturing, injuring of animals. The TPAs will also assist in ACPI’s efforts to prevent animal abuse through education, training, community engagement, and collaboration with community-based organizations to assess needs and appropriate services. Moreover, the TPAs will work closely with law enforcement agencies and other organizations including the NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Detective Squad (ACIS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree preferred or a high school diploma with four (4) years of work experience in a law firm, governmental agency, civic or community organization.
A Valid driver's license with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience is required and must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
Excellent analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to exercise good judgment and strong ethics.
Exhibit an ability to maintain confidentiality of information

Nice To Haves

Strong writing and communication skills as well as strong attention to detail skills
Strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Data Analytic tools (ex. Power Bl), Database Query Language (ex. SQL), Scripting languages (ex. Python/R), and Prosecution Case Management Systems
Familiarity with legal terminology and court procedures preferred.
Understanding of the criminal justice system used in New York State and New York City is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the ADAs and investigators handling these cases
Self-starter who can work independently
Responsible for monitoring inbox for referrals and inputting the information into spreadsheets
Maintaining and updating spreadsheet of active cases and investigations
Liaise and communicate with partners such as NYPD, ASPCA, and other stakeholders to obtain necessary discovery documents
Occasionally draft accusatory instruments
Attend court proceedings
Court filings
Compile, analyze, redact, and reproduce case documents for discovery compliance and case preparation
Preparation and filing of documents
Timely retrieval of documents and records
Assist in preparing hearing/trial exhibits & discovery for trial
Timely conversions of instruments to information
Retrieve all necessary documents and records from law enforcement agencies, hospitals and other entitles
Produce effective communication with different agencies
Locate and retrieve property maintained by NYC Police Dept.
Perform legal research
Engage in witness contact and communication
Secure corroborating affidavits
Prepare orders for Court, including Motion Responses, Legal Memorandums, Search Warrants, Subpoenas, and Orders to Produce.
Work directly with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) on specialty cases
Accompany ADAs in court observing, capturing updates, and assisting in Trials
All other relevant duties as assigned