Legal Specialist - Paralegal

POSITION DETAILS

ABOUT JOHN JAY COLLEGE
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) and an internationally recognized leader in educating for justice. Led by President Karol V. Mason, John Jay is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, it is ranked third in the nation in Black student success, and it is a top ten institution for promoting student social mobility. John Jay is proud to serve a diverse and dynamic student body of 15,000 students that includes nearly fifty percent students who are first in their family to attend college as well as students who are immigrants, from low-income families, or from other historically underrepresented groups in higher education.

A Carnegie designated Research Institution, the College participates in the doctoral programs of the Graduate Center of CUNY, and offers bachelor's and master's degrees both in traditional criminal justice-related fields of study as well as in a robust portfolio of liberal arts and sciences programs that highlight themes of justice across the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The College seeks staff and faculty members who thrive in multicultural academic environments and are committed to access and excellence in higher education.

POSITION DETAILS

• Assists in processing and tracking legal matters of various kinds.
• Support 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.
• Track FOIL response deadlines and ensure timely compliance with all requirements. Respond to routine subpoenas and record requests.
• Assist Legal Counsel and the Labor Designee in arbitration, grievance, litigation, and hearing preparation.
• Assist by processing and tracking legal matters, including litigation, subpoenas, and record requests.
• Assist by processing contracts, affiliation agreements, employee and student disciplinary actions, human rights complaints, and other matters.
• Analyze records to identify and redact confidential or exempt information. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist with investigations, including contacting witnesses, arranging interviews, and drafting statements. Analyze records and disciplinary files.
• Maintain the security of highly confidential information per College and University policies.
• Research and compile case data regarding relevant laws, regulations, and precedents related to employment law, grievance procedures, CUNY policies and contracts, and arbitration; analyze legal data pertinent to cases; and, prepare summaries.
• Assist in the development, refinement, and daily operations of case and file management systems.
• Assist with various daily administrative duties in support of the office/team as well as providing back up 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.
• Assist in tracking ethics compliance requirements, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Draft and prepare letters, settlement agreements, and responses to grievances and disciplinary proceedings.
• Assist with performance evaluation instruments and professional development assessments.
• Provide support for college restructuring, reclassification, and non-reappointment processes.
• Conduct initial intake screening.
• Draft 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 communications skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of FOIL laws and regulations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and handling 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.


- Supports a College or University unit in research and managing documents for legal matters of various kinds


- Performs research and writing activities; prepare 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.


Job Title Name: Legal Specialist - Paralegal


CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant


FLSA

Non-exempt


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$74,490 - $76,937 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are viewing the job posting on John Jay College website or in CUNYFirst, please select the "Apply Now" button. If you are viewing he job posting on any other website, please follow the instructions below:
-Go to .edu and click on "Employment"
-Click "Search job listing"
-Click on "More options to search for CUNY jobs"
-Search by Job Opening ID 32235
-Click on the "Apply Now" and follow the instructions.
Once you have registered or logged in with your user name and password, upload your cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references as one document.

CLOSING DATE

The review of resumes will begin on June 18, 2026

The posting closes on July 5, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.