Trial Preparation Assistant, Strategic Investigations Bureau

The Office of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced Paralegal for the Strategic Investigations Bureau (“SIB”). The Strategic Investigations Bureau conducts long-term investigations focusing on multi-defendant, conspiracy-based crimes, targeting criminal networks and Illicit revenue streams. This bureau includes the Major Narcotics Unit and the Auto Crimes Unit.

The Strategic Investigations Bureau partners with Federal, State and Local agencies to investigate crimes while also conducting proactive investigations, including: Insurance fraud cases; Stolen car cases from the NYPD or NYSP Auto Crime Division; Forged vehicle title cases; Pattern burglary and robbery investigations; Airport cases involving cargo and organized theft schemes; Case involving operating as a major trafficker and cases involving the seizure of a kilogram or more of controlled substance; Counterfeit currency cases; Money laundering cases; Organized retail theft cases; Trademark Counterfeiting cases; Extortion and loansharking cases.

The TPA/Paralegal position involves working with prosecutors to enhance investigations, prepare the cases for Grand Jury and trial. This includes assisting the prosecutor with interviewing witnesses, case management, and provide support o attorneys throughout the investigation and in court during the prosecution of the case. Additional responsibilities will include those tailored to the work needs of the attorneys and investigations to whom the TPA/Paralegal is assigned. The daily work involves interacting with a full range of law enforcement agencies as well as forensic laboratories, correctional facilities and hospitals. The TPA/Paralegal position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight and experience working on complex investigations and prosecutions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Draft legal documents and correspondence such as subpoenas, takeout orders, orders to produce and other documents.
• Draft requests for minutes, expense vouchers and other non-legal documents. Maintain subpoena and evidence logs for all documents ordered or requested in an investigation.
• Identify, locate, contact, communicate with and schedule various types of witnesses. This includes obtaining HIPAA forms, notifying law enforcement witnesses to appearances, obtaining updated contact information and securing interpreters.
• Hand-deliver or arrange for delivery/pick-up of documents to other bureaus, ADA’s, agencies and other locations, obtaining confirmation of receipts as required utilizing tracking information, delivery confirmations or other related methods. This may include travel between locations with files and/or documents in varying weather conditions and with packages of varying weights and sizes.
• Obtain all necessary evidence and document relating to the investigations from outside sources and/or electronic systems such as drug and/or ballistic lab reports, 911 call recordings, EMS/FDNY records, court minutes, certificates of disposition, inmate records, medical records, school records, rap sheets, DMV records and other documentation.
• Maintain a working knowledge and up-to-date certification of QDA and other law enforcement computer applications.
• Assist with the coordination and preparation of travel arrangements for witnesses.
• Accurately and timely communicate the status and progress of case-related information to coworkers, attorneys or others.
• Assist attorneys in all aspects of preparing and filing motions and briefs including ordering files, obtaining court records, proofreading and filing.
• Perform clerical and related duties as needed including answering phones, taking messages, faxing, scanning, copying and filing.

Education and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree with educational focus on criminal justice or related education and/or work experience is preferred. Candidates with previous experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or other work in the criminal justice field will be given preference. All candidates must have at least a high school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Trial Preparation Assistants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with staff at all levels. Trial Prep Assistants must be able 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 are also required.

Job Details:

Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM.

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

Comprehensive benefits include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, deferred compensation, NYC Pension.

NYS residency is required.

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.