Paralegal
Chautauqua County Public Defender's Office – Mayville, NY
Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | Provisional Civil Service Appointment
The Chautauqua County Public Defender's Office is seeking a detail-oriented, motivated Paralegal to join our team in Mayville, New York. This full-time position offers an opportunity to perform meaningful legal work supporting attorneys who provide high-quality legal representation to members of our community.
As a Paralegal, you will perform a variety of substantive legal, administrative, and research duties while working under the supervision of licensed attorneys. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound independent judgment.
What You'll Do
- Prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, correspondence, affidavits, petitions, and other legal filings for attorney review.
- Conduct legal research using electronic databases, statutes, case law, court decisions, administrative regulations, and other legal resources.
- Assist attorneys with trial and hearing preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing witnesses, reviewing testimony, and researching legal issues.
- Support post-trial activities, including reviewing court decisions, proposed orders, appeals, and drafting legal motions.
- Review deeds, court records, legal filings, and real property documents.
- Conduct title searches and research documents through courts, clerk's offices, and other public records.
- Manage assigned legal files from intake through attorney review while maintaining accurate documentation and follow-up.
- Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, briefs, and reports.
- File legal documents with the courts and maintain organized case files.
- Serve as a liaison with clients, courts, government agencies, caseworkers, and other stakeholders.
- Respond to requests for information and assist with legal and administrative inquiries.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong legal research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written communication and document drafting abilities.
- Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize a busy caseload while meeting deadlines.
- Professionalism when working with clients, attorneys, courts, and partner agencies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research databases.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:
Option A
- Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Paralegal, Political Science, or Criminal Justice, AND
- Two (2) years of experience as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or clerical assistant to an attorney.
OR
Option B
- Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Paralegal, Political Science, or Criminal Justice, or a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal or Paralegal Studies, AND
- Four (4) years of experience as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or clerical assistant to an attorney.
Experience Note:
Qualifying experience must include substantive legal work such as preparing legal documents and providing direct assistance with legal processes under the supervision of an attorney.
Appointment Information
This position will be filled on a provisional basis in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. Continued employment will be contingent upon successfully competing in and being reachable on a future Civil Service eligible list for this title.
Pay: $30.60 - $40.22 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
