Paralegal to Chief Legal Counsel

JOB TITLE: Paralegal to Chief Legal Counsel

REPORTS TO: Chief Legal Counsel

COMPENSATION: starting annual salary of $57,000; commensurate with experience

POSITION PROFILE:

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office (SCDAO) seeks a motivated, organized, adaptable, and computer-savvy paralegal to support the Chief Legal Counsel and the Public Records Division. The position requires assisting the Chief Legal Counsel in compiling, analyzing, and maintaining case records/documents, conducting limited research and performing other related tasks. The position further requires assisting the Public Records Division in assessing and responding to public records requests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

RESPONSIBLITIES - CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL

• Facilitate civil case management in responding to civil subpoenas and court orders, including gathering, redacting and producing responsive records.
• Responding to employee subpoenas, SCDAO keeper of records subpoenas and documentary subpoenas.
• Drafting basic motions, protective orders and correspondence as needed.
• Conduct legal and other types of research using a various resources and databases.
• Maintain and update SCDAO database regarding discoverable information.
• Interact with the public, attorneys, and the courts when necessary.
• Ability to use Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Review draft documents for accuracy.
• Complete assigned tasks timely and efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES - PUBLIC RECORDS DIVISION

• Familiarity with the statutes and case law governing public records in Massachusetts.
• Assist in updating SCDAO's required entries in the public records database as mandated by Secretary of State of the Commonwealth.
• Interact with the public, victims, counsel, incarcerated defendants and media outlets.
• Respond to public record requests within the timeframe per G.L. c. 66, • 10.
• Review and redact responsive documents per exemptions in G.L. c. 4, • 7(26).
• Deliver responsive, non-exempt materials to requestors.
• Facilitate bates stamping of responsive records.
• Participate in team meetings.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attend trainings relevant to SCDAO function
• Become familiar with, and follow, SCDAO policies
  
• Become familiar with, and adhere to, the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct
• Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff
• Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner
• Other related duties as assigned
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Occasional supervision of interns.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

TRAVEL: Travel to local sites, including courthouses and offsite agencies, if necessary

EEO STATEMENT:
The SCDAO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:

• Associates Degree in a related field, or paralegal certificate, or previous paralegal experience, preferably as a litigation paralegal; or the equivalent in education and experience.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use and adapt to a variety of software programs.
• Familiarity with Adobe Pro, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to perform general legal research and knowledge of legal terminology and principles.
• Ability to deal with sensitive, and confidential information.
• Applicant must display an extreme attention to detail and have superior time management and organizational skills when dealing with large amounts of data.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently or as a team member.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a professional office environment.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and interest in public service.