Paralegal – START Act Relief for Trafficking Survivors

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 (BDS) seeks a Paralegal to join the Women’s Defense Project within the Criminal Defense Practice. The paralegal will help clients obtain relief under New York’s START Act, working closely with an attorney to screen clients for eligibility and prepare motions.

The role involves interviewing clients, gathering documentation, drafting START motions, and maintaining diligent case files in a collaborative environment across teams in Brooklyn.

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 and complete them timely.

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 the digital Case Management System.
• Draft and submit requests for documents from various entities such as law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
• Obtain copies of court files and certificates of disposition from both in-state and out-of-state courts.
• Follow BDS confidentiality policies to safeguard client information.
• Request transcripts from court proceedings.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Independence and teamwork

Multitasking

Crisis survivors experience

Adobe Pro

Microsoft 365

Education

College degree or paralegal experience

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Microsoft 365 Suite

Job description

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Paralegal to join the Women’s Defense Project within the Criminal Defense Practice. The paralegal will help clients obtain relief under New York’s START Act, working closely with an attorney to screen clients for eligibility and prepare motions.

The role involves interviewing clients, gathering documentation, drafting START motions, and maintaining diligent case files in a collaborative environment across teams in Brooklyn.