Intergovernmental Affairs & Policy Trial Preparation Assistant/Paralegal

The Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant (TPA)/Paralegal to support the Intergovernmental Affairs & Policy (IAP) office. Intergovernmental Affairs & Policy coordinates and strengthens the District Attorney's interaction and relationship with city, state and federal levels of government, elected officials, and outside agencies and coordinates regarding policy considerations affecting QDA; prepares testimony and executive summary reports as required for local and statewide public hearings, inter-agency meetings and other events; assists with community statements and press releases; develops protocols to improve operational functions and implementation of new initiatives; identifies and promotes the District Attorney’s legislative priorities and agenda and serves as QDA representative and legislative co-chair of DAASNY; monitors policy trends to inform on legislative goals and advises on pending NYS and NYC legislative action.

In this position, the IAP TPA/Paralegal is responsible for providing support and assistance to the supervisors of IAP, including tasks required to assist in researching and tracking legislation, coordinating and communicating with staff of outside agencies and elected officials, and maintaining, analyzing and organizing data on a variety of policy issues affecting QDA.

The duties and responsibilities listed below include the main tasks and responsibilities for the TPA/Paralegal assigned to Intergovernmental Affairs & Policy; however, all TPAs/Paralegals are expected to perform other related duties as determined by their immediate supervisors and QDA executive staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research, identify, track, and maintain information and data on pending state and city legislation relating to criminal justice, prosecutions, and the work of the QDA.
2. Assist in the preparation of bill summaries and gather information on a variety of topics and policy issues affecting QDA.
3. Develop and maintain records, spreadsheets and reports as needed for policy considerations and the work of the IAP.
4. Coordinate and communicate with staff of outside agencies and elected officials and prepare reports relating to public hearings, inter-agencies meetings and community events.
5. Perform clerical and related duties as needed, including answering phones, taking messages, faxing, scanning and copying.
6. Under supervision, draft legal documents and correspondence (e.g., subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce, emails and letters, etc.)
7. Obtain all necessary evidence and documentation relating to the case from outside sources and/or electronic systems (e.g., lab reports, 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.)
8. Under the supervision of assistant district attorneys, conduct legal research using Lexis and/or WestLaw, write motions and briefs, and assist attorneys with all aspects of preparing and filing motions, briefs, and reports (e.g., ordering files, obtaining copies from the clerk’s office, proofreading, site checking, etc.)
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Maintain working knowledge and up-to-date certification where applicable of QDA and other law enforcement computer applications (e.g., Case Tracking, Microsoft Office, 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.

Trial Preparation Assistants/Paralegals 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.

For this position in particular, strong preference will be given to applicants with thorough working knowledge of PowerPoint and other presentation software.

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: