Paralegal II, Criminal Trials (Citywide)

About the role

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

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

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• 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

Pay

Salary Range: $61,245 - $93,803

Benefits

• The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.
• Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness: The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice.