Legal Assistant 2 - 165748

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS)* and applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this position:

Three years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see “definition” below).

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.

Examples of non-qualifying experience: receptionist, records clerk, bookkeeper, office manager.

Substitutions

An associate degree (or higher) in 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) AND one year of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see definition in MQs) OR an associate degree 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 two years of experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see definition in MQs) OR graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar will be accepted AND two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see definition in MQs).

Applicants may also be appointed to this position if currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title OR are a current New York State employee with one year or more of qualifying permanent service in a position allocated to a Grade 15 or above and eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Duties Description

Reporting to an attorney or Hearing Examiner, the incumbent of this position will work in close association with investigators, Office of General Counsel (OGC) attorneys, respondents, court reporters, and other administrative staff, performing a variety of paralegal activities for OGC. The Legal Assistant 2 will support OGC staff in the most complex cases, many of which lack precedent. Responsibilities may include scheduling hearings for attorneys and their investigators; maintaining databases and case tracking systems; compiling and organizing hearing files and records; preparing and assisting in the preparation of legal documents; conducting complex legal research; preparing subpoenas and correspondence.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Prepare correspondence and all relevant case materials for hearings.
• Assist in the preparation of cases for hearings by completing a variety of activities.
• Appear with OGC at ALJ hearings to assist presenting cases during hearings.
• Draft responses, motions, answers, affidavits, or discovery demands.
• Organize case files and maintain exhibits for hearings.
• Organize, draft, and prepare motions for court proceedings. The incumbent will also assist in the review of similar work conducted by Legal Assistant 1s for OGC to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Prepare subpoenas and arrange for service.
• Arrange for the filing of legal memorandum and other legal papers. The incumbent will also assist in the review of similar work conducted by Legal Assistant 1s.
• Assist with resources and supportive material for attorneys for hearings.
• Conduct research into complex legal matters (including those where precedent may not yet exist), analyze materials, and present both verbal and written comments on findings.
• Prepare and maintain case files and calendars, record and monitor the status of dockets, deadlines, and final decisions.
• Prepare final documents for file closing.
• Assist the General Counsel in connection with confidential legal matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel and First Deputy General Counsel.
  
  

Notes

Additional Comments

• There is no examination required for appointment to a NY HELPS position. Candidates hired via NY HELPS will be appointed on a permanent non-competitive basis and will begin a probationary period.
  
  

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected that NY HELPS employees will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to take an exam. Employees will then be afforded with all 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.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants for all communities to apply. For a full version of OCM’s EEO/AA statement and benefits of joining OCM, please visit: About | Office of Cannabis Management (ny.gov).

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Downstate: Location Pay of $3,400