Job DescriptionThe Kings County District Attorney’s Office (KCDA) is one of the largest prosecutors’ offices in the country and is committed to developing and implementing innovative prosecutorial strategies that will fulfill our vision of keeping Brooklyn safe while at the same time ensuring fairness and justice for all. KCDA has an exciting opportunity to work as a Paralegal with Early Case Assessment Bureau (ECAB)The Early Case Assessment Bureau (ECAB) screens all arrests that occur in Brooklyn, determining whether a prosecution will be declined or will go forward and if the latter, what charges will be brought. ECAB staff members interview police officers and, in some instances, victims and witnesses. The bureau drafts the charging document (i.e., the complaint) upon which the defendant will initially be arraigned and prepares supporting documents and notices to be submitted in court. Assistant District Attorneys in the bureau also staff and supervise prosecutors in the arraignment court parts in Brooklyn’s Criminal Court.Under general supervision, with latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the prospective candidate will perform the following duties:Interview civilian and police witnesses and secure all necessary information and prepare a brief narrative.Draft accusatory instruments utilizing knowledge of the criminal justice system, penal law and other applicable status.Maintain a detailed log of cases recording the time that a case is received and subsequently completed.Complete all forms used in the preparation of case folders and review files to ensure that an paperwork is in order, and accurately prepare any missing documents.Provide assistance to arraignment personnel and to the Expeditor desk.Review supporting depositions and police paperwork for legal sufficiency and completeness.Provide telephone coverage as required.Perform other related duties as needed.Preferred SkillsAble to work independently, be assertive, highly organized, detailed-oriented.Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel. PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)Ability to Multi-task and exercise sound judgment.Strong attention to detail is essential.Applicants should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and will be required to provide a spontaneous writing sample. The ability to be assertive and tactful in dealing with police personnel and civilian crime victims is essential. Organizational, time-management, including the ability to take initiative, prioritize duties and work both independently and within a team environment is a plus.Bi-lingual ability in Spanish is helpful. Additional InformationCandidates must meet the following additional requirements: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or; An associate degree and two to four years of full-time satisfactory work experience in the performance of paralegal (legal assistant) services; or A Paralegal Certification from a program approved by the American Bar Association.Hours/Shift4:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.MSunday through Thursday (Friday & Saturday off) This Bureau is Operational 7 days a weekEmployees of the City of New York may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees.Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-serviceBi-lingual ability in Spanish is helpful. QualificationsQualification Requirements
High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.
Additional InformationThe 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.
