Job Description

Division/Unit: Pathways to Public Safety Division

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Position Title: Paralegal (Judicial Diversion)

Salary Range: $52,110 – $55,284

The New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) has an opening for a Paralegal in its Pathways to Public Safety Division. Paralegals in the Pathways to Public Safety Division will provide a full range of support to Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) as they determine which defendants are appropriate candidates for a variety of diversion programs. This role will be primarily responsible for Judicial Diversion.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Communicate with law enforcement agencies both within New York State and across the country to request the facts of closed and pending criminal cases.
• Draft official documents such as Orders to Produce, subpoenas, and transcript requests.
• Create files for defendants seeking acceptance into diversion programs and assist in investigating their criminal histories.
• Prepare files for court each week.
• Attend court proceedings to document case notes and provide administrative support to the assigned ADA as needed.
• Communicate with court personnel and other stakeholders regarding participant progress. Record relevant updates in internal files.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets to track relevant information for the Pathways to Public Safety Division.
• Take detailed notes during defendant interviews.
• Carry out administrative duties such as ordering supplies, managing Outlook calendar invites, and coordinating with other units within DANY on different tasks.
• Perform additional tasks as needed.

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:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Communicate effectively with ADAs and other support staff both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn quickly and use various computer systems to update and edit existing databases.
• Ability to work independently with frequent interruptions, manage deadlines, and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff, court representatives, and law enforcement representatives.
• Self-starter with creative problem-solving skills.

How To Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Submission & Transcript.

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.
• Looking for candidates that could commit to two (2) years to the hiring Unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. 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
2. 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.