Paralegal II, Wrongful Conviction Unit

$57,174 - $87,568/Yr

Legal Aid Society - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Paralegal II position within the Wrongful Conviction Unit (WCU) at The Legal Aid Society involves providing essential support in the exoneration of individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes. The role focuses on case investigation, document collection, and assisting attorneys in legal proceedings, ensuring that clients receive thorough and effective representation in their post-conviction efforts.

Responsibilities

• Screen cases of potential clients, draft summaries of findings, and present to the unit with recommendations for next steps
• Collect necessary documents from courts, defense attorneys, court reporters, and clients; and conduct database searches to gather vital information
• Communicate with potential and active clients via letter and occasionally by phone or in person, including visits to clients in prison
• Draft Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, track requests, follow up with NYPD and District Attorneys' Offices on requests as necessary, and assist with the Article 78 Project appealing adverse FOIL decisions
• Keep physical files, digital files, and case management systems up to date
• Help attorneys reinvestigate cases, including attending meetings, taking notes, participating in interviews, and analyzing records
• Help prepare presentations for Conviction Integrity Units, including drafting power point presentations and preparing documents
• Assist with locating and corresponding with mass dismissal clients
• Participate in innocent Network Activities, including Yearly Report and Application
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited school, Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or satisfactory completion of a comprehensive in-house training course appropriate to practice area
• Experience advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and people of color
• Some knowledge of New York criminal law and criminal procedure strongly desired
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel, and a PDF program
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task, manage a large workload, pay strong attention to detail, and think critically
• High degree of professionalism
• Highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt to the changing needs of the practice
• Ability to interact effectively and independently with courts and related criminal justice agencies, and with Criminal Defense Practice and Criminal Appeals Bureau attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency in a language or languages other than English is desirable, but not required

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Generous benefits package