Job Description

Division/Unit: Workers Protection Unit

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Position Title: Paralegal

Salary Range: $52,110- $55,284

The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a paralegal to join the Rackets Bureau’s Worker Protection Unit (WPU) and its Construction Fraud Task Force. This unit investigates wage theft, fatalities, safety lapses, fraud, and a variety of crimes against workers, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. The Worker Protection Unit collaborates with community groups and workers’ rights groups to protect marginalized communities and partners with city, state, and federal agencies to make cases that have industry-wide impact. We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to support the WPU. In this position, the paralegal will maintain relationships with community groups, perform administrative tasks, and assist with investigations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist the Unit in all aspects of investigations and trials.
• Communicate effectively with all staff, both orally and in writing.
• Attend witness interviews and meetings.
• Compile and analyze case documents for grand jury and trials.
• Testify before the Grand Jury, at trial and other judicial proceedings.
• Generate subpoenas and collect evidence.
• Prepare, organize, and redact documents for Discovery.
• Develop relationships with community groups, workers’ rights groups, and nonprofits.
• Represent the Construction Fraud Task Force at community-based meetings and public events.
• Create presentations, flyers, and outreach materials.
• Present to various groups in the community about worker protection and safety.
• Perform related administrative and clerical tasks.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Level 1 – bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
• Level 2 – bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and one (1) year of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.
• Level 3 – bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience either as a paralegal in the criminal justice field or equivalent.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• 2-3 years of experience working with community groups, nonprofits, or government agencies.
• Superior communication skills and strong passion for community and external relations.
• Ability to engage with the public in a professional manner.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Ability to travel locally for events.
• Interest in learning construction and safety terminology.
• Knowledge or interest in worker rights, immigrant rights, construction, and/or public safety.
• Public speaking experience

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours /Shift:

• Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
• May work overtime including evenings and weekends.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office 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.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office’s Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office’s matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.