The Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant (TPA)/Paralegal to support the Intake and Assessments Bureau. The Intake and Assessments Bureau is responsible for assessing and analyzing charges at the arrest stage of a criminal prosecution. Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and trial prep assistants interview witnesses which include crime victims and police officers and gather additional evidence to draft accusatory instruments. The Intake and Assessments Bureau serves an office of over 800 staff.
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 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 for the TPAs within the Intake and Assessments 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:
- Draft legal documents and correspondence (e.g., affidavits, subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce, etc.).
- 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.
- Obtain all necessary evidence and documentation relating to the case from outside sources and/or electronic systems (e.g., labs [drug, ballistic, etc.], 911 calls, Sprint/T-Mobile 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.).
- 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.).
- 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, obtain corrobs and e-corrobs from complainants and witnesses, notify members of the police department for trial preparation and court appearances, locate and secure interpreters and experts, and prepare expense vouchers for interpreters/transcribers/court reporters, etc.).
- 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.
- Efficiently write up new arrest cases by speaking with members of the police department, witnesses, victims, reviewing body worn camera and video surveillance, drafting affidavits, crime reports and compiling all paperwork required to create the case files for court. Additionally, reviewing and editing Desk Appearance Ticket cases in a timely manner, as well as occasionally answering phone calls, preparing statistics, maintaining log books and electronically sending files to court when necessary.
- Perform clerical and related duties as needed including answering phones, taking messages, faxing, scanning and copying.
- 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.
- Testify in court as a witness if/when subpoenaed or as required by the court or office.
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:
SCHEDULES VARY BASED UPON THE NEED OF THE BUREAU:
Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, 8AM- 4PM or 4PM to 12AM
Entry level salary (non-negotiable) is $55,000; upon completion of two years of City service, the salary is $60,000.
55a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Comprehensive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, deferred compensation, NYC pension.
NYS residency required.
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:
