Criminal Trials Paralegal II - Case Prep & Defense

thelegalaidsociety; New York (NY); On-site; USD 61,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society is seeking a Paralegal II to support the Criminal Defense Practice across all boroughs in New York City. The role involves researching case records, drafting memoranda and motions, serving and filing documents, and maintaining client files both electronically and physically.

Candidates should have a strong writing ability, legal research proficiency, and the capacity to work independently or as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred).
• Paralegal certificate from ABA accredited program required or preferred.
• At minimum a high school diploma / GED and 4+ years of legal work experience.
• Combination of higher education and legal work experience totaling 4+ years.

Responsibilities

• Research, digest, and outline case records (e.g. medical, criminal history, schools, etc.).
• Draft legal memoranda, pre-trial motions, subpoenas, and orders to produce.
• Serve and file legal documents.
• Assist in maintaining client files, both electronic and physical.
• Interview and assess client requests for services.
• Assist with case preparation for trial, disposition and discovery.
• Prepare written reports summarizing compiled information.
• Obtain and copy court files.
• Obtain Certificates of Disposition for clients.
• Obtain minutes from court proceedings.
• Obtain and review client records and determine course of action.
• Handle client and agency correspondence in connection with cases.
• Serve as a liaison between attorneys and clients.
• Assist clients in completing forms, releases, and other documents.
• Assist clients with obtaining property back after arrest.
• Refer clients to outside agencies.
• Other duties assigned.

Skills

Advocacy

Writing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Legal research

Computer skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

New York law knowledge

Non-English languages (desirable)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ABA paralegal certificate

High school diploma / GED + 4+ years legal experience

4+ years combined higher education and legal work

Tools

Computer/word processing

Job description

The Legal Aid Society is seeking a Paralegal II to support the Criminal Defense Practice across all boroughs in New York City. The role involves researching case records, drafting memoranda and motions, serving and filing documents, and maintaining client files both electronically and physically.

Candidates should have a strong writing ability, legal research proficiency, and the capacity to work independently or as part of a team.