Trial Assistant (HELP Program)

Monroe County; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Monroe County Public Defender's Office seeks a Trial Assistant (HELP Program) in Rochester, NY. The role assists attorneys in criminal proceedings, including pre-trial and post-trial work, under supervision.

The HELP Program aims to streamline hiring and placement processes within Monroe County. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, plus paralegal training with a certification and one year of legal drafting experience, or a Bachelor's degree with related legal

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency; required.
• Paralegal training and certification with 1 year legal drafting experience; required.
• Bachelor’s degree with law-related study or experience; required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in all aspects of criminal proceedings and trials.
• Prepare pre-trial and post-trial work and investigation.
• Under supervision, handle assigned legal matters for the Public Defender's Office.

Skills

Drafting legal documents

Legal research

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree

Associate’s degree

Job description

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Trial Assistant (HELP Program)

Location: Rochester, NY

Title: Trial Assistant (HELP Program)

Deadline: October 19, 2026 5:00pm

Salary: $45,551 - $60,217 annually

Agency/Dept.: Public Defender's Office

Description of Duties

This position, in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, is responsible for assisting attorneys in all aspects of criminal proceedings and trials, including pre-trial and post-trial preparation and investigation. The employee assumes direct responsibility for selected legal matters. This position reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of, a Public Defender Assistant Gr. II or higher level staff member. Supervision is not a characteristic of this class. Does related work as required.

HELP PROGRAM

Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Program. This program streamlines the appointment process to allow Monroe County to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without examinations.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:

• Satisfactory completion of an accredited paralegal training and instructional program and possession of a certification of completion*, plus one (1) year paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in drafting and composing legal documents in a law office setting; OR,
• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree and completion of at least one (1) year post graduate education in law; OR,
• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree, plus one (1) year paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as described in (A) above; OR,
• Graduation with an Associate’s degree, plus three (3) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience as described in (A) above; OR,
• Five (5) years paid full-time or it’s part-time equivalent experience as described in (A) above; OR,
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) above.
• Candidates qualifying under (A) above must submit a copy of their certificate of completion at the time of application.

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