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Paralegal II

DATE: 2-20-08
UNION STATUS: 1199
PRACTICE/DEPARTMENT: Criminal Defense Practice
JOB CODE:P2120E
REPORTS TO: Director Rikers Paralegal Program
FULL/PART TIME: FT
LOCATION: Rikers Island

Major Purpose of Position

The Criminal Defense Practice has an immediate opening for a Paralegal II to work in the Defender Legal Assistants Program at Rikers Island. The Paralegal II is assigned to jails operated by the New York City Department of Correction, and assist in the delivery of legal services to clients who are incarcerated.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Respond to clients’ questions about their cases
  • Meet regularly with clients, both in their offices and in inmate housing areas within the jails
  • Serve as liaisons between attorneys and their clients
  • Assist clients in preparing legal documents
  • Assist in resolving problems related to clients’ incarceration
  • Liaison between attorney and their clients
  • Must be able to work independently and multi task
  • Interact with clients and assist client in completing forms and releases
  • Refer clients to outside agencies
  • Handle basic correspondence with clients
  • Calculate jail time credits, by analyzing correctional, court and Legal Aid records, taking steps to correct errors and secure missing information.

Secondary Duties/Responsibilities

  • Other duties as assigned

Training And Qualifications

  • Paralegal certificate from ABA accredited school, Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or satisfactory completion of a comprehensive in-house training course appropriate to practice area
  • Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people is strongly desired
  • Strong writing, verbal, organization, and computer skills
  • Excellent writing and organization sills
  • Proficiency in computer and word processing skills
  • Willing to travel and work in different jails
  • Able to work in a team setting
  • Some knowledge of New York criminal law and criminal procedures
  • Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

TO APPLY:

Please e-mail cover letter and resume and writing sample to KAMohamed@legal-aid.org with the subject line "PARA II - RIKERS"

The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women, People of Color, Gays and Lesbians, Transgender People, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.