Trial Preparation Assistant – Appeals

Trial Preparation Assistants (TPAs) support the Office’s prosecutorial efforts through performing a wide variety of tasks, which may vary in frequency based on bureau assignment. In general, TPAs are responsible for performing tasks required to assist Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) including obtaining information through various methods, coordinating and communicating with a wide variety of individuals including the public and staff at varying levels, tracking/managing records for cases and other related duties. The duties and responsibilities listed below include the main tasks and responsibilities of a TPA in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, as well as, specific tasks in the Appeals Bureau. However, all TPAs are expected to perform other related duties as determined by their immediate supervisors, bureau chiefs and QDA executive staff.

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., labs [drug, ballistic, etc.], 911's, Sprint Reports, EMS/FDNY records, court minutes, arrest photos, rap sheets, DMV abstracts, arrest and complaint reports, phone records, medical records, school records, inmate records, weather reports, vital statistic records [birth and death certificates], 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. Identify, locate, contact, communicate with and schedule various types of witnesses (e.g., obtain signed HIPAA forms from victims, obtain updated contact information for eye-witnesses, notify members of the police department for trial prep and court appearances, locate and secure interpreters and experts, and prepare expense vouchers for interpreters/transcribers/court reporters, etc.).

6. Assist with the coordination and preparation of travel arrangements for various types of witnesses.

7. Accurately communicate current status and progress of cases or other case-related information to coworkers, attorneys or others, as required and escalate issues to supervision for handling.

8. 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.).

9. Under the direction of attorneys and following appropriate office protocols, collect and compile records from files and other divisions in the office, draft FOIL determinations, appeals, and acknowledgment letters, make required redactions using Power PDF, and draft response letters to exhibit requests.

10. Complete initial break-down of closed cases by arranging for the return of evidence or property, returning files to the record room and performing related recordkeeping functions.

11. Perform clerical and related duties as needed including answering phones, taking messages, faxing, scanning and copying.

12. Travel between locations with/for files and documents in varying weather conditions and lift, carry and move boxes of varying weights, including moving between buildings with equipment such as rolling carts, if needed.

13. Testify in court as a witness if/when subpoenaed or as required by the court or office.

14. Have working knowledge of Word and Excel.

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.

Job Details:

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

STARTING SALARY (NON-NEGOTIABLE): $38,333.; upon completion of two years of City service, salary: $44,083.

The Office of the Queens County District Attorney is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to the diversity of our organization.

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