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 BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Trial Preparation Level II in the Civil Litigation Bureau. The candidate will possess paralegal experience to assist the Civil Litigation Bureau's FOIL Unit in responding to requests made by the public pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”).
Job Responsibilities:
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging in communications with parties making FOIL requests by acknowledging receipt of request, providing status updates, and drafting FOIL determination letters.
- Locate closed criminal files and other records from office file storage in order to respond to FOIL requests.
- Under attorney supervision, review documents, media, and other records to determine information responsive to each FOIL request.
- Assist in the drafting of FOIL determination letters that set forth records to be disclosed or withheld under the FOIL statute.
- Using applicable computer programs, input data with respect to each FOIL request and maintain statistics for the FOIL Unit.
- Use advanced features of Adobe Acrobat to merge and separate PDF files, as well as mark and apply redactions as necessary.
- Pick up and deliver files and records for the bureau.
- Scan, copy, and redact disclosable records and provide to requesting parties upon payment of costs.
- Provide support and assistance to other professional and legal staff members as necessary.
- All other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree, or a high school diploma with four years of work experience in a law firm, governmental agency, or non-profit organization is required. Experience as a paralegal is preferred.
- A valid driver’s license with a minimum of two years of driving experience is required and must be maintained for the duration of employment.
-Must be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Strong desire and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with general court services.
- Ability to work independently and effectively under deadlines.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057