Paralegal II ROLE We need an experienced Paralegal II at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York (USAO WDNY). USAO WDNY is the principal litigator for the United States Government, prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Federal Government and prosecuting and defending civil cases in which the United States is a party, with coverage across the Buffalo and Rochester metropolitan areas.In this role, you will assist attorneys with organizing and tracking incoming documents, maintain staff calendars and deadline reminders, locate potential witnesses, examine records and correspondence, conduct investigative research, draft correspondence and legal documents for attorney signature, prepare proposed orders for the U.S. District Court, and maintain the electronic case database. This is a full-time opportunity. Apply today!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists attorneys with the organization and tracking of incoming documents and related correspondence, including productions pursuant to subpoenas and civil investigative demands
Maintains calendars of United States Attorney staff and provides reminders of deadlines and meetings
Performs searches to locate potential witnesses
Examines documents such as medical and financial records, reports, correspondence, and computer data
Provides recommendations and overall assistance to United States Attorney staff with respect to document compilation
Conducts investigative research utilizing legal research tools, with training provided by United States Attorney staff
Prepares initial correspondence drafts and legal documents for attorney signature
Prepares initial drafts of proposed orders to be sent to the U.S. District Court
Scans and inputs case related materials into an electronic database
Ensures all documents contain the proper format, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar
Assists the Affirmative Civil Enforcement unit by ensuring a good working relationship with client agencies and the public
BACKGROUND/REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
At least two (2) or more years of experience providing paralegal support in a fast paced legal environment
Experience conducting legal research using standard legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with attorneys, staff, and the public
Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage and track documents, deadlines, and correspondence
Excellent written communication skills, including proper grammar, spelling, and formatting for legal documents
EDUCATION
High School Diploma or equivalent required
Undergraduate degree In Paralegal Studies OR Paralegal Certificate - preferred
Must be able to pass a Dept of Justice background investigation
Must be a U.S. Citizen
CLIENT
Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York
HOURS
40 hours per week, Monday–Friday
8 hours per working day; core hours 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM local time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
Employment Classification Eligibility – W2
RELOCATION
Not eligible for relocation benefits
COMPENSATION
Base Hourly Wage: $28.15 per hour
Health & Welfare (Benefits rate): $5.09 per hour
Total Hourly Compensation: $33.24 per hour
Benefits: Health & Welfare benefits contribution as required under the Service Contract Act (SCA); Benefits package includes options for health, dental and vision insurance coverage
West 4th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.
Other Considerations: This position is W-2 only; no Corp-to-Corp or 1099 candidates. Relocation will not be offered. This position requires access to Department of Justice facilities and systems. As a condition of employment, selected candidates must complete and receive favorable adjudication from a federal government background investigation as required by the U.S. Department of Justice. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.