The Law Department is currently seeking a permanent Paralegal Aide for an available Level 2 position as a Trial Investigator in its Tort Division’s Brooklyn office. The position encompasses responsible work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility performed under the supervision of higher level staff and/or attorneys.
Under supervision, with latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the candidate will perform various types of paralegal duties including, but not limited to the following:
Investigate facts and assist attorneys in preparation of pleadings, motions, discovery, and other relevant documents. Discuss/strategize trial case assignments with trial attorney. Assist in obtaining, reviewing, updating and maintaining physical and electronic case files and log books. Obtain, collect assemble, and review records and data necessary for trial presentation. Review and analyze information obtained. Interface with our legal counsel and agency clients to coordinate the litigation of the case. Locate witnesses and/or coordinate the scheduling of witnesses for trial preparation and trial; request accommodations for out of town witnesses. Conduct limited witness interviews. Travel to various courts and agencies to retrieve certifications and records. Maintain up to date investigative trial folders on assigned tasks. Perform data entry. Back up support for fellow paralegals on their trials, when necessary. Attend weekly trial strategy meetings with Trial Chief and trial attorney for trial case reviews. Communicate daily with trial attorney on trial ease status. Inspection of the scene of the incident. Draft subpoenas. Observe and sit in on trials for requested assistance by trial attorney. Assist with trial preparation including but not limited to copying records, blow ups, video conferencing, scanning, creating trial binders, and filing when necessary. Process all authorizations including but not limited to medical and unsealing authorizations. Maintain data using excel spread sheets and in-house systems (LM, Outlook, etc.) and perform background check using internal established tools.
Some of the physical activities performed include lifting and carrying large boxes and/or heavy files, climbing stairs and travel by public transportation in all kinds of weather.
Minimum Qual Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or
2. An associate degree or completion of 60 semester credits from an accredited college, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and two years of full-time satisfactory experience, acquired in the United States, in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services; or
3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of full-time satisfactory experience, acquired in the United States, in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services; or
4. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1, 2 or 3 above. Paralegal Certification obtained in the United States from an accredited program or from a program approved by the American Bar Association can be substituted for 12 months of experience. Undergraduate credit can be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for 12 months of experience. However, all candidates must have at least a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization.
To be acceptable, experience in paralegal (legal assistant) services must have involved the American Legal System.
Experience which is primarily legal secretarial or includes only incidental paralegal (legal assistant) services is not acceptable.
Special Note:
Individuals must have one additional year of pertinent paralegal experience or have a baccalaureate degree in addition to the requirements listed above to be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II duties and pay of Paralegal Aide.
Preferred Skills
Candidates MUST possess at least one of these Additional Qualification Requirements for Level 2:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and either (a) 1 year of full-time satisfactory experience acquired in the United States, in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services; or (b) Paralegal Certification obtained in the United States from an accredited program or a program approved by the American Bar Association; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by a combination of 12 semester credits in U.S. History, U.S. Political Science, U.S. Law, U.S. Paralegal Studies, U.S. Criminal Justice, U.S. Urban Studies, International Relations and/or U.S. Legal Studies; or
An associate degree or completion of 60 credits from an accredited college and three years of full-time satisfactory experience acquired in the United States, in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services; or
A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and five years of full-time satisfactory experience acquired in the United States, in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services.
Applicable to all applicants:
Experience which is primarily legal secretarial or includes only incidental paralegal (legal assistant) services is not acceptable.
To be acceptable, experience in paralegal (legal assistant) services must have involved the American Legal System.
Additional Information
Due to the current active Civil Service List, candidates must be permanent in the Paralegal Aide title.
The candidate chosen for this position will receive an assignment differential of $4,000.
To Apply
To apply, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
55-a Program
This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. If you wish to learn about the 55-a Program, please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page.
Hours/Shift
This is a full time position consisting of 35 hours per week.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
POSTING DATE
07/25/2023
POST UNTIL
08/19/2023
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.