Openings >> Trial Preparation Assistant , Frauds Bureau
Trial Preparation Assistant , Frauds Bureau
Summary
Title:Trial Preparation Assistant , Frauds Bureau
ID:1175
Location:Kew Gardens, NY
Department:Legal
Job Type:N/A
Description

The Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant (TPA) to support the Frauds Bureau.  The Bureau focuses on catching criminals who prey on the vulnerable, line their pockets with tax revenue collected on behalf of the City and State and anyone else who uses financial schemes to victimize the innocent.  The Bureau investigates and prosecutes a wide variety of financial crimes affecting the approximately 2.3 million Queens residents and 50,0000 businesses. Members of this bureau and its specialized units are specially trained to aid residents of Queens who are victims of embezzlement, investment scams, computer frauds, financial crimes against the elderly, insurance fraud, confidence schemes, trademark counterfeiting, environmental crimes, and government fraud. The Bureau also regularly engages in public speaking events to educate the public on how to avoid being victimized by trending scams and schemes. The position offers an opportunity to work on important and challenging cases that devastate the financial resources of our residents.    

The TPA position involves working with prosecutors on preparing cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, general case management, organizing and analyzing financial records and related documents, and providing support to attorneys in court, at police precincts and in the field.  Additional responsibilities will include those tailored to the work needs of the attorneys to whom the TPA is assigned.  The daily work involves interacting with a full range of city and law enforcement agencies as well as financial institutions, victims and witnesses. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Draft legal documents and correspondence (e.g., subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce, etc.).
  2. Hand-deliver or arrange for delivery/pick-up of documents to other bureaus, assigned ADAs, other agencies and elsewhere in a timely fashion, obtaining confirmation of receipt as required utilizing tracking information such as email, fax confirmation, return receipt or other related methods.
  3. Obtain all necessary evidence and documentation relating to the case from outside sources and/or electronic systems (e.g., financial records, 911's, EMS/FDNY records, court minutes, arrest photos, rap sheets, DMV abstracts, arrest and complaint reports, phone records, certificates of disposition, etc.).
  4. Maintain working knowledge and up-to-date certification where applicable of QDA and other law enforcement computer applications (e.g., Case Tracking, QDocs, CACS, NYPD Booking and Complaint System, eJustice, PIMS, DMV, Back-End Client, LIMS, MIDAS, Microsoft Office, etc.).
  5. Accurately communicate status and progress of cases or other case-related information to coworkers, attorneys or others, as required and escalate issues to supervision for handling.
  6. Under the supervision of assistant district attorneys, conduct legal research using Lexis and/or WestLaw, respond to motions and briefs, and assist attorneys with all aspects of preparing and filing motions and briefs (e.g., ordering files, obtaining copies from the clerk’s office, proofreading, site checking, etc.).

Preferred Education and Qualification Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies or related area or equivalent education and/or experience. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or in another similar capacity or candidates with an A.B.A. approved paralegal certificate. All candidates must have at least a high school diploma or its educational equivalent.  Preference will be given to candidates with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; and language skills beyond English.

Trial Preparation Assistants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to interact with staff at all levels and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with competing demands. Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach, including strong follow-up skills, accuracy and the ability to meet deadlines is also required.

Preference will also be given to candidates with experience in prevention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse, sexual assaults, and violence against the elderly.

Job Details:

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry level salary (non-negotiable) is $55,000; upon completion of two years of continuous service, the salary is $60,000.

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.

To apply, qualified and interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample by clicking on the link below: 

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