NY HELPYes

AgencyAttorney General, Office of the

TitleLegal Assistant 1 (NY HELPS) - Claims

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary Grade14

Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)

Salary RangeFrom $54860 to $66634 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 5:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County New York

Street Address 28 Liberty Street

City New York

StateNY

Zip Code10005

Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Individuals certified eligible for the 55-B/55-C program under the Governor's Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55-B/55-C of the Civil Service Law are encouraged to apply. To be considered, 55-B/55-C candidates must provide a copy of their letter of eligibility with their response and meet the non-competitive qualifications listed below.

NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Candidates must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see “definition” below); OR

• An associate degree (or higher) in in a paralegal / legal assistant / legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal / legal assistant program where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA); OR

• An associate degree (or higher) in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university or one approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and one year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see “definition” below).

Substitution: Graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar will be accepted as meeting the educational and experience requirements for this title.

Definition: A Paralegal/Legal Assistant is someone who applies knowledge of the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers, clients, and courts; prepares and interprets legal documents and forms; researches, compiles, and uses information from legal materials to provide both written and verbal comments on their findings; and analyzes and handles routine procedural problems independently with minimal attorney oversight. Non-qualifying experience includes receptionist, records clerk, bookkeeper, and office manager.

CURRENT NYS EMPLOYEE:
Reachable on the Department of Civil Service eligible list for Legal Assistant 1 or permanent or contingent-permanent status as a Legal Assistant 1 or eligible to transfer.

Duties Description In close association with an attorney or attorneys, Legal Assistants perform a variety of paralegal activities that require formal education and experience. Incumbents compile and organize files and documentation; prepare and assist in the preparation of legal documents and forms; catalog information; update databases or spreadsheets; and prepare correspondence. The incumbent of this Legal Assistant 1 position performs the following duties:

• Drafts Tort and Medical Malpractice Answers and Discovery Demands.
• Drafts pre- and post-Answer motions.
• Performs Jury Verdict searches and analyze damage awards and settlement values.
• Performs legal research using traditional and electronic reference sources regarding general negligence and medical malpractice law and policy issues.
• Communicates with Court personnel regarding applicable rules and procedures.
• Communicates with client agencies and individual defendants.
• Calculates and calendar due dates for pleadings and motion return dates.
• Drafts legal responses and correspondence to Courts, adversaries, and co-defendant counsel.
• Drafts and assemble briefs, tables, affidavits, exhibits, and other documents for trial.
• Uses and maintain electronic case management system for all cases, including attaching all documents and updating relevant case information for each matter.
• Requests, reviews and analyzes discovery responses and medical records.
• Analyzes and digests large amounts of data and present in a cogent manner.
• Assists attorney with trial preparation, including digesting deposition transcripts, drafting briefs, motions, exhibits, and other documents for use at trial.
• Utilizes Shepard’s citations and other legal reference sources to check cases cited in legal papers prepared by attorneys to ensure accuracy and relevancy of case law.
• Assists attorneys with document production including required redactions and bates numbering.
• Responds to inquiries from the Court, client agencies and Bureau attorneys.
• Maintains and develops lists and spreadsheets for case tracking purposes.
• Prepares and electronically files with the Courts all relevant legal documents.
• Liaisons with Managing Attorney’s Office regarding filing and service of legal documents.
• Collaborates with client agencies’ risk management departments and internal bureau investigators.
• Completes routine investigations, including obtaining records and documents from client agencies.
• Gathers information from various outside sources and prepare a detailed analysis for review.
• Maintains or oversees tracking systems, calendars, and reporting systems.
• Alerts attorneys as to deadlines, defects, conflicts, and questions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Comments *The base salary will include an additional $3,400 per year in downstate adjustment location pay.

Careers with the State offer multiple benefits including paid vacation leave (13+ days per year), sick leave, paid State holidays off, health insurance including vision & dental, entry into the NYS retirement (pension) system, education and training, eligibility for public student loan forgiveness, and job stability with promotional opportunities. Workplace flexibilities include multiple options for employees including telecommuting (up to two days per week) and alternative work schedules.

The agency's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm (37.5 hours/week).

Scheduling determinations are dependent upon the needs of the Bureau/Unit and will be communicated during interviews.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name HR Recruitment

Telephone 518-766-2500

Fax

Email Address HR.Recruitment@ag.ny.gov

Address

Street NYS Office of the Attorney General

The Capitol

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12224

Notes on ApplyingIn your submission, you must provide sufficient information to determine from your resume and/or cover letter that you meet the minimum qualifications stated above. If a certificate or degree is required to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications, you must provide proof that you hold the required certificate or degree. To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and a copy of your degree/transcript (if applicable) to HR.Recruitment@ag.ny.gov. Be sure to include the Vacancy # and Title of the position in the subject heading of your email.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

For more information about the Attorney General's Office, visit: www.ag.ny.gov.