Paralegal for START Act Relief — Women’s Defense Project

Brooklyn Defender Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Generous leave policies

Job summary

Brooklyn Defender Services seeks a paralegal to join the Women’s Defense Project within the Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn, NY. The role centers on helping clients obtain relief under New York’s START Act by identifying eligible individuals and coordinating with an attorney.

The position is full-time, non-exempt, based at Brooklyn Defenders’ offices and in Brooklyn courts, with a salary range of $73,000–$78,000 and benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• College degree or four years of paralegal/legal assistant experience.
• Experience preparing legal documents preferred.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely.
• Experience working with criminalized survivors of gender-based violence and individuals experiencing crisis preferred.
• Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) or ability to learn these applications.
• Ability to learn BDS’ digital case management and document management systems.
• Willingness to learn about post-conviction and vacatur relief.

Responsibilities

• Work with WDP attorneys to identify past and current clients who may be eligible for START relief.
• Assist in interviewing clients and collateral contacts.
• Gather supporting documentation and information for START motions.
• Assist in drafting and submitting START motions to the appropriate prosecutor's office and court.
• Maintain accurate digital and paper files and enter information into our digital Case Management System.
• Draft and submit requests for documents and information from various entities such as law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
• Obtain copies of court files and certificate of disposition from both in and out of state courts.
• Follow BDS policies regarding confidentiality to safeguard client information.
• Request transcripts from court proceedings.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written and oral communication

Teamwork and independence

Multitasking

Survivor-focused experience

Legal document preparation

Adaptability

Education

College degree

Paralegal/legal assistant experience

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Microsoft 365

Case management software

Document management systems

Job description

Brooklyn Defender Services seeks a paralegal to join the Women’s Defense Project within the Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn, NY. The role centers on helping clients obtain relief under New York’s START Act by identifying eligible individuals and coordinating with an attorney.

The position is full-time, non-exempt, based at Brooklyn Defenders’ offices and in Brooklyn courts, with a salary range of $73,000–$78,000 and benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan.