The Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant (TPA)/Paralegal to support the Discovery Compliance Unit. The Discovery Compliance Unit is responsible for gathering, organizing, reviewing, and disseminating discovery from law enforcement partners as required by New York State C.P.L. §245.

In general, TPAs are responsible for performing tasks required to assist ADAs including obtaining information through various methods, coordinating and communicating with a wide variety of individuals including law enforcement and staff at varying levels, tracking/managing records for cases and other related duties.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work on dynamic issues involving computer technology, discovery, while developing a relationship with law enforcement. The duties and responsibilities listed below include the main tasks and responsibilities for the TPAs within the Discovery Compliance Unit; however, all TPAs are expected to perform other related duties as determined by their immediate supervisor(s), Director of Discovery, and QDA executive staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Obtain all necessary evidence and documentation relating to a variety of cases, from outside sources and/or electronic systems (e.g., activity logs, arrest report, arrest photo, complaint report, crime report, property voucher, aided reports, ICAD, 911 calls and metadata, prisoner pedigree card, prisoner movement slip, radio runs, ZOLPA, etc.).
2. Perform clerical and related duties as needed including answering phones, taking messages, faxing, scanning and copying.
3. Accurately communicate current status and progress of discovery related requests or other case-related information to co-workers, attorneys or others, as required and escalate issues to the Supervisor and/or Director of the Discovery Compliance Unit.
4. Maintain working knowledge and up-to-date certification of QDA and other law enforcement computer applications where applicable.
5. Maintain various databases that track the request, receipt, and distribution of discovery documents.
6. Maintain up-to-date information and contact information for law enforcement liaisons and connections that assist the Discovery Compliance Unit.
7. Ability to work and respond in a high-volume fast-paced environment, while meeting necessary deadlines.
8. Understand and evaluate different law enforcement paperwork in order to ensure all necessary evidence is requested/received for a case.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Discovery Compliance Unit.

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.

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.

Applicant Information:

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

STARTING SALARY (NON-NEGOTIABLE): $55,000; upon completion of two years of service, salary: $60,000.

Comprehensive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, deferred compensation, NYC pension.

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: