District Court Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

District Court Paralegal

A Paralegal assigned to the District Court Division works under the supervision of the District Court Assistant District Attorney Supervisor and primary responsibilities include providing support to Assistant District Attorneys, law enforcement investigators and the State Police assigned to the ECDAO by assisting with case-related matters from the initial investigations through to trials.  

The principal responsibilities include:

• Assist in case preparation, pretrial and trial preparation, both in and outside the courtroom
• Compile and analyze case documents such as 911 tapes, booking and incident reports, penitentiary packets, financial records, certified prior convictions, medical records, cellular and landline phone records, and drug certifications
• Process discovery
• Consult with parties, experts, and lay witnesses
• Develop and follow research trails using internal and external tools and databases
• Manage case files
• Assemble trial exhibits
• Review legal forms for accuracy
• Photocopy and collate case related documents
• Other tasks as assigned from time to time 

Also, the Paralegal performs whatever other duties at any jobsite as may from time to time to be assigned to him/her by the District Attorney, the Deputy First Assistant District Attorney or District Court Supervisor.

In addition to these above responsibilities the Paralegal is required to:

• Fulfill the mandatory education and training requirements of the State Ethics Commission
• Become familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Office Personnel Policies, particularly with regard to confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace and the usage of information technology resources
• Participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
• Interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff
• Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associate’ or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies and/or previous paralegal experience preferred, especially as a litigation paralegal
• Strong computer skills and the ability to use and adapt to a variety of software programs
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• The ability to perform general legal research
• Knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• Self-starter, with proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with the ability to multi-task in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette
• Excellent organizational skills, project completion skills with a strong attention to detail
• A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the EDAO, an overall understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the role of the prosecution
• The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity, judgment, maturity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality

This position could be in any of the following locations: Salem, Peabody, Lynn, Newburyport, Gloucester, Haverhill or Lawrence

All full-time positions offer a state benefit package that includes health, life, disability, and dental/vision insurances, retirement plans, vacation, personal and sick leave and more. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5-hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).  All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check.  All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Essex District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of the Essex District Attorney's Office to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state anti-discrimination law. The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to and promotes equal opportunity and diversity.