50560
(Competitive)
(Non-Competitive District Attorney’s Office – 1 only)
The work involves responsibility for performing paralegal duties in a municipal office. Under the supervision of an attorney, an employee in this class performs a variety of tasks, that while not requiring the skills of an attorney, which entail the application of legal procedures and legal research as well as the preparation of legal documents for submission to the courts. An employee in this class may also assist an attorney in preparing for and appearing in a trial. The specific tasks performed may vary depending on the department assignment; however, work performed remains within the broad scope of paralegal skills. Supervision of employees is not normally exercised in this class. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Assists with the preparation of rough drafts of briefs and various legal documents as assigned and prepares digests of selected decisions and opinions.
Incorporates legal references and includes an analysis of precedents involved in relation to the case or matter under discussion.
Serves as records access representative and responds to Freedom of Information (FOIL) requests.
Searches legal reference files and other sources for information and data required by the attorney in conducting interviews and answering correspondence.
Assembles exhibits, affidavits, legal documents, etc. for the use of attorneys in the preparation of trial cases and collects any additional information that is needed.
Verifies legal citations and statutory references contained in legal documents against original sources such as legal texts, reports, etc, making certain that they are correct and in complete conformance with the source material. Prepares drafts of motions and responses to motions, Bills of Particulars, Interrogatories, takes complaints, determines status of cases and responds to inquiries.
Assists with the preparation of standardized forms concerning extradition, return of bail and other proceedings ancillary to prosecution of criminal cases.
Reviews cases scheduled for court and insures quality of case preparation.
May interview witnesses and assist in witness preparation for trial.
Performs any legal research or fieldwork required under the supervision of an attorney.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Working knowledge of reporter system, law digests, legal encyclopedia and legal citations.
Working knowledge of the techniques normally employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems.
Working knowledge of the New York State Family Court Act.
Working knowledge of New York State Penal Law and Criminal Procedure Law.
Working knowledge of investigative and interviewing techniques.
Working knowledge of court trial and administrative hearing procedures.
Ability to independently gather, analyze and organize legal data and information into clear and logical sequence.
Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant case opinions and facts.
Ability to communicate legal opinions and information clearly and succinctly in both orally and in writing.
Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in the proper manner.
Ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Open Competitive:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies; or,
B. Possession of a certificate in Paralegal Studies or Legal Assistant from a program accredited by the New York State Education Department; or,
Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, as a paralegal.
PLEASE NOTE: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a degree in Law (JD - Doctor of Laws or L.L.B. - Bachelor of Laws) is considered as qualifying experience.
10/2015 Revised