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Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

You Must Have Either

1: a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a paralegal/legal assistant program from a regionally accredited college or university, or college or university accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA); AND one year of subsequent full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant;

Or 2: an associate's degree (or higher) in a paralegal/legal assistant program OR a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant program where either the degree or certificate was granted from a regionally accredited college or university accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) AND two years of subsequent full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.

NY HELPS: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Competitive Minimum Qualifications

Permanent service in this title or one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c service in a title SG-15 or higher and otherwise eligible for transfer under Civil Service Law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior knowledge of criminal law is helpful for this position, but not required.
• Solid organizational skills and tracking cases and attention to detail.
• Ability to proactively manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs and issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Duties Description

The Legal Assistant 2 (SG-17) will be assigned to the Office of Legal Services (OLS and will report directly to the Deputy Counsel. Duties of the Legal Assistant 2 will include, but will not be limited to:

• Independently requesting legal representation pursuant to Public Officers Law from the Office of the Attorney General and prepare related paperwork to be signed by OLS staff;
• Logging, tracking, and organizing litigation received;
• Drafting various legal documents and assist in the preparation for litigation by completing a variety of activities;
• Drafting responsive motions or answers, affidavits, affirmations, briefs, or other motion-related papers;
• Performing document review, including the use of electronic discovery;
• Reviewing discovery demands and work closely with OLS staff to prepare responses, including organizing discovery materials;
• Organizing, preparing, and drafting and/or editing motions for summary judgment and/or motions to dismiss;
• Working with the OLS staff to edit motion papers or briefs as needed;
• Responding to subpoenas;
• Assisting OLS staff with contract review;
• Prepping witnesses for arbitration;
• Analyzing adversaries' responses for their sufficiency and evaluate any objections received;
• Drafting responses to interrogatories, notices to admit, and requests for documents;
• Analyzing and process interim and dispositive decisions and orders;
• Preparing final summaries/documents for file closing; and
• Performing other duties as assigned

Additional Comments

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. DCJS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit at DEI@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 485-1704.