The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.
In furtherance of this mission, the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), located within the Special Victims Division, works closely with the New York City Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and members of the community to proactively identify current, former, and potential victims of sex and labor trafficking, as well as to investigate, apprehend, and convict those who promote, profit from, or patronize the commercial sex or labor trafficking trades.
HTU is seeking a Trial Preparation Assistant to support its Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) with all aspects of investigations and trial preparation.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific Duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Preparation and filing of documents.
- Timely retrieval of documents and records.
- Assist in preparing hearing/trial exhibits & discovery for trial.
- Compile, analyze, redact, and reproduce case documents.
- Timely conversions of accusatory instruments to informations.
- Retrieve all necessary documents and records from law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and other entities.
- Produce effective communication with different agencies.
- Locate and retrieve property maintained by the New York City Police Department.
- Perform legal research.
- Engage in witness contact and communication.
- Engage with survivors during the interview process.
- Secure corroborating affidavits.
- Prepare orders for Court, including Motion Responses, Legal Memorandums, Search Warrants, Subpoenas, and Orders to Produce.
- Work directly with ADAs on Human Trafficking cases and investigations.
- Accompany ADAs in court observing, capturing updates, and assisting in trials.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with governmental and nongovernmental human trafficking service providers.
- Attend taskforce meetings, information fairs, professional training, community outreach and educational programming, and other meetings as directed.
- Engage in activities that promote the education of the community and at-risk populations about human trafficking. Specifically, provide education and outreach to youth, educators, families, community organizations, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement.
- Participate in occasional law enforcement operations outside of standard work hours.
- Occasionally assist Assistant District Attorneys outside of standard work hours.
- Assist in preparation of reports and presentations for management regarding human trafficking trends.
- All other relevant duties as designated by supervisory staff.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college preferred.
- A valid New York State driver’s license with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience is required and must be maintained for the duration of employment.
- Two years related experience preferred.
- Criminal justice system experience preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Capable of working independently, as well as collaboratively, to manage multiple cases.
- Dependable team player with a cooperative and collaborative mindset.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency with Adobe and case management software.
- Familiarity with general court services and functions.
- Understanding of the criminal justice system used in New York State and New York City.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and strong ethics.
- Ability to adhere to strict requirements regarding legal records management, data protection, and privacy/confidentiality.
The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057