Legal Specialist

Legal Specialist – Paralegal Job Duties Assists in processing and tracking legal matters of various kinds. Supports the Office of Legal Counsel by reviewing and evaluating Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL") requests, locating responsive records, and assigning requests to appropriate departments for production. Tracks FOIL response deadlines and ensures timely compliance with all requirements; responds to routine subpoenas and record requests. Assists Legal Counsel and the Labor Designee in arbitration, grievance, litigation, and hearing preparation. Processes contracts, affiliation agreements, employee and student disciplinary actions, human rights complaints, and other matters. Analyzes records to identify and redact confidential or exempt information; ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Assists with investigations, including contacting witnesses, arranging interviews, and drafting statements; analyzes records and disciplinary files. Maintains security of highly confidential information per College and University policies. Researches and compiles case data regarding relevant laws, regulations, and precedents related to employment law, grievance procedures, CUNY policies and contracts, and arbitration; analyzes legal data pertinent to cases; and prepares summaries. Assists in development, refinement, and daily operations of case and file management systems. Supports various daily administrative duties in support of the office/team and provides backup to the Office Administrative Staff (phone, file management, intake, etc.). Develops and delivers internal training programs on employment law, harassment prevention, ethical standards, and workplace policies. Tracks ethics compliance requirements, prepares reports, and maintains accurate records. Drafts and prepares letters, settlement agreements, and responses to grievances and disciplinary proceedings. Assists with performance evaluation instruments and professional development assessments. Provides support for college restructuring, reclassification, and non-reappointment processes. Conducts initial intake screening. Drafts interview and report summaries. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree and four years related experience required. Preferred Qualifications Four years related experience in a law firm or in-house legal department as an officially designated paralegal. Strong organizational skills. Experience with case management systems and legal document preparation. Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of FOIL laws and regulations. Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and handle sensitive information. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software platforms. Knowledge of Lexis Nexis Uni or Westlaw. Experience with legal research and document management. Spanish speaking a plus. CUNY Title Overview Supports a College or University unit by providing research and managing documents for legal matters of various kinds. Performs research and writing activities; prepares opinions, reports and drafts of research activities. Develops and drafts legal documents, filings, charges, grievance and disciplinary decisions, and similar items. Assists in preparing for litigation or hearings; compiles and analyzes legal data pertinent to cases; prepares summaries. Researches, gathers, and compiles case data; studies provisions and nuances of contract, collective bargaining agreements, CUNY policies, and laws or regulations and fulfills requests for information. Files and indexes case studies, actions, contracts, decisions, and other legal documents. May perform paralegal duties in a specialized unit, such as labor relations, contracts, or student immigration support. Performs related duties as assigned. Compensation and Benefits $74,490 – $76,937 Salary commensurate with education and experience. CUNY's benefits include health and wellness plans, retirement/pension benefits, tuition waivers for graduate study, and generous paid time off. Staff also enjoy access to campus programs and a diverse academic community. Equal Employment Opportunity CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. #J-18808-Ljbffr