Paralegal Supervisor

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office (KCDA) is one of the largest prosecutors’ offices in the country and is committed to developing and implementing innovative prosecutorial strategies that will fulfill our vision of keeping Brooklyn safe while at the same time ensuring fairness and justice for all. The Office investigates and prosecutes crime, assists victims, and implements crime prevention strategies to improve public safety and the quality of life of Brooklyn’s residents.

In light of the sweeping discovery reforms in New York State, our Assistant District Attorneys need more support in preparing their criminal cases. All of our cases involve fairly voluminous discovery, such as police reports, body camera footage, 911 calls, forensic files, security surveillance videos, and more. It is critical to our mission that our prosecutors obtain all the necessary discovery and securely shares the required information with the defense. New hires will assist with these important duties, and in doing so, will gain exposure to virtually every aspect of a criminal case.

Under general direction, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the prospective candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Supervises and trains BOLT Paralegals and Clerks to the standards of the unit.
• Ensures BOLT Paralegals receive comprehensive training on the process of obtaining discovery.
• Provide input into staff assignments, oversee, and monitor the progress and status of case preparation and performance of paralegals and clerks also ensuring deadlines are met.
• Review all files and documents and provide instructions on the proper action taken.
• Provide backup coverage for non-legal staff as needed.
• Collaborate with Bureau Chief and Discovery Support Director on developing plans recommendations to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide valuable feedback for improvement where necessary.
• Ensure Bureau Chief and Discovery Support Director are updated on matters related to case issues and staff performance and providing documentation to unit managers and Human resources regarding staff.
• Draft annual tasks and standards and performance reviews for all paralegals and clerks and addressing any issues related to performance, tardiness, and behavior.
• Disseminate all relevant documents, information, and new and existing office policies to staff.
• Provide administrative support for bureau in a variety of areas.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience working as a Paralegal.
• Candidate must possess experience and be well-versed working with discovery.
• Prior experience supervising and managing a team a plus but not required.
• Excellent organizational, time-management and multi-tasking skills, including the ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work efficiently both independently and within a team.
• Knowledge of all KCDA specific systems, Discovery, NYS Court and other office utilized software applications.
• Knowledge of all KCDA office policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear concise written directives, legal correspondence and a variety of legal documents including staff write-ups.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

Candidate must meet the additional requirements:

• A master’s degree from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory full-time experience functioning in a Paralegal role, inclusive of two years’ experience as a Paralegal Specialist a plus or,
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and five years of satisfactory full-time experience functioning in a Paralegal role, inclusive of two years’ experience as a Paralegal Specialist a plus or,
• An associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited colleges and six years of satisfactory full-time experience functioning in a Paralegal role.

Candidate must meet the education and/ or experience criteria which is equivalent to “1”, “2” or “3”.

Additionally, to be acceptable, experience functioning as a Paralegal must have involved the American Legal System.