Job Description
Location New York City
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt
Category Administration
About the Organization The Office of the Appellate Defender is the second oldest institutional provider of appellate representation in New York City. For 35 years, OAD has stood as a beacon of hope for people at the intersection of poverty and injustice. Our clients have been convicted of felony offenses in Manhattan and/or the Bronx and have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment and post-release supervision. Despite the circumstances of our clients' offenses, convictions, and sentences, we believe in the humanity and dignity of every human being which informs our client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. We are a beloved community of colleagues who are dedicated to public defense, access to justice, and racial equity.
Description Role: Entry-Level Paralegal
Location: New York
Hours: Full-time, Hybrid, in-person at least 8 days per month
Salary: $58,109.46 - $58,109.46 Overview of the role An entry-level paralegal at OAD assists the legal staff both administratively and substantively. You will maintain OAD's client intake practice, which may include collecting and organizing documents and official records and updating internal databases. You may also assist attorneys with creating, formatting, and electronic filing of litigation work product. An entry-level paralegal at OAD shares our core belief in the value of communication with and respect for people convicted of crimes; is a flexible self-starter who is willing to tackle new projects; and takes on additional work which includes but is not limited to providing administrative services such as answering phones, mail processing, and scanning.
Who You Are - Experienced. You have a paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited school, and/or Bachelor's Degree, and/or experience in working in a law practice environment. Prior knowledge of New York criminal law and procedure is a plus.
- Reliable. You have an organized mind and a commitment to meeting goals in a timely and consistent manner. You can work independently and manage multiple tasks. You follow up on tasks and assignments without prompting from other staff.
- Culturally Aware and Sensitive. You understand what it means to work with and for individuals whose backgrounds and lived experiences are different from your own with sensitivity and humility. You are willing to learn more about the impacted and marginalized identities of people served by the organization and bring your awareness to all the work you do.
- Collaborative. You can work independently but also work effectively across roles to create a holistic environment to best address client needs.
- Clear Communicator. You can communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally. You appreciate the need to ask questions when appropriate and to inform others when you need assistance. You may be fluent in a language other than English, which helps facilitate your communication with some OAD clients.
- Passionate. You care deeply about people served by OAD and are enthusiastic about challenging the inequities of the criminal justice system.
- Agile. You are willing to: take on new projects as the needs of the office or practice change, learn new skills and lead or significantly contribute to projects that advance organizational goals.
- Computer Skilled. You have experience working with Microsoft Office Suite, Chrome, Adobe and can perform online research.
What You Will Do - Perform administrative intake tasks from case initiation such as creating and maintaining client database entries and client files; searching external databases and other resources to locate and collect information on clients; corresponding with external stakeholders including court, prosecuting agency, and corrections personnel; and communicating with legal system-impacted clients and their families.
- Support attorneys in preparation for litigation by, among other things, collecting records from clients and agencies; filing Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL") requests; securing and scanning various files and records; assisting attorneys in communications with clients; preparing digital documents for electronic filing; and proofreading, drafting, or other digital file assistance
- Facilitate implementation of updates to office resource materials as needed.
- Support non-legal staff, including aiding administrative team members, and client support staff as needed.
Benefits - Generous vacation time, holidays, personal and sick days including Summer Fridays where the office closes early.
- Comprehensive medical benefits, flexible spending, and health reimbursement account.
Your Application To join our community, please apply with a cover letter, resume and writing sample here. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Your cover letter must: (1) explain your alignment with OAD's mission, values and/or advocacy approach; and (2) what skills or experiences make you a strong candidate.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role..
Please note that OAD requires all staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID and provide a vaccination record at the start of employment.
EOE Statement OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.
This position is currently accepting applications. Office Of The Appellate Defender Inc
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Part time, Summer work, Felony friendly, Flexible hours,