Trial Preparation Assistant, Special Victims Bureau

QDAO - Investigate/Admin; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Queens County District Attorney's Office seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant/Paralegal to support the Special Victims Bureau. The role involves case prep, witness coordination, and courtroom support for some of the city’s most sensitive cases.

Under supervision, you will draft documents, gather evidence, perform legal research, and assist attorneys in court and at scenes. Entry-level salary starts at $55,000, rising to $60,000 after two years of City service.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Preference for candidates with paralegal experience or ABA-approved paralegal certificate.
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel proficiency; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal documents and correspondence (subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce, etc.).
• Obtain evidence and documentation from labs, arrests, transcripts, medical records, and more.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of QDA systems and applications.
• Coordinate witness meetings and court appearances; arrange interpreters when needed.
• Assist with travel arrangements and reimbursements for witnesses.
• Communicate case status to attorneys and others; escalate issues when needed.
• Conduct legal research for motions and briefs under supervision.
• Perform clerical tasks (phones, scanning, copying).
• Move boxes and transport documents between locations as required.
• Deliver or arrange document delivery; confirm receipt.

Skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Excel

Education

Bachelor's Degree

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

The Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) seeks a Trial Preparation Assistant (TPA)/Paralegal to support the Special Victims Bureau. The Special Victims Bureau investigates and prosecutes felony adult sex crimes, physical and sexual child abuse, and crimes of violence against the elderly. The work is intense, meaningful and ultimately tremendously rewarding. The bureau is staffed by prosecutors with specialized training in a range of areas including trauma-informed interviewing, DNA forensic science, interpretation of medical findings, use of expert witnesses, and complex case investigations. The position offers an opportunity to work on some of the most important, challenging, and emotionally charged cases in New York City.

The job entails working with prosecutors to preparing cases for trial, interviewing of witnesses, general case management, and providing support to attorneys in court, at crime scenes, and at police precincts. Additional responsibilities include those tailored to the work needs of the attorneys to whom the TPA is assigned. The daily work involves interacting with a full range of city and law enforcement agencies as well as forensic laboratories and hospitals. In short, the TPA position offers a unique opportunity to gain an insider's perspective on the operations and complexities of one of the most intense areas in the criminal justice system.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Draft legal documents and correspondence (e.g., subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce, etc.).
2. Obtain evidence and documentation relating to cases from outside sources and/or electronic systems (for example: drug, ballistic and DNA labs; 911 calls and ambulance records; court transcripts; arrest photos and paperwork; criminal history "rap" sheets; electronic communication records; medical records; crime scene photographs and reports; school records; inmate records and recorded conversations; and various court records).
3. Maintain working knowledge and up-to-date certification where applicable of QDA and other law enforcement computer applications.
4. Identify, locate, contact, communicate with and schedule meetings and court appearances for various types of witnesses (for example: victims, eyewitnesses, police, doctors, experts) and arrange for interpreters when necessary.
5. Assist with the coordination and preparation of travel arrangements and reimbursements for witnesses.
6. Accurately communicate current status and progress of cases or other case-related information to coworkers, attorneys or others, as required and elevate issues to supervision for handling.
7. Under the supervision of assistant district attorneys, conduct legal research for motions and briefs, and assist attorneys with preparing and filing motions and briefs.
8. Perform clerical and related duties as needed including answering phones, taking messages, scanning and copying.
9. Travel between locations with/for files and documents in varying weather conditions and lift, carry and move boxes of varying weights, including if necessary moving between buildings with equipment such as rolling carts.
10. Hand-deliver or arrange for delivery/pick-up of documents to other bureaus, assigned ADAs, other agencies and elsewhere in a timely fashion, obtaining confirmation of receipt as required.
11. Testify in court as a witness if/when subpoenaed or as required by the court or office.

Preferred Education and Qualification Requirements:

Trial Preparation Assistants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to interact with staff at all levels and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with competing demands. Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach, including strong follow-up skills, accuracy and the ability to meet deadlines is also required.

Bachelor's Degree preferred. Preference may be given to candidates with previous experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or in another similar capacity or candidates with an A.B.A. approved paralegal certificate. All candidates must have at least a high school diploma or its educational equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with language skills beyond English and those with a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preference Skills:

• Candidates with experience working with victims of trauma, children, and the prevention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse, sexual assaults, and/or violence against the elderly.

Job Details:

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry level salary (non-negotiable) is $55,000; upon completion of two years of City service, the salary is $60,000.

55a Program:

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

The City of New York 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.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and transcript. In addition, submission of a writing sample is encouraged but not required.

Title: Trial Preparation Assistant, Special Victims Bureau

ID: 1349

Location: Kew Gardens, NY

Department: Legal

Job Type: N/A