Description
Paralegal – Criminal Defense (On-Site | Temp-to-Perm)
Location: Queens Blvd, Queens, NY
Department: Criminal Trials – Queens
Schedule: 5 days on-site; includes accompanying attorney to court daily and for arraignment duties on designated weekends
Pay Rate: up to $31/hour (based on experience)
Overview
Our client's Criminal Defense Practice in Queens is seeking a highly dependable, patient, and detail-oriented Paralegal to join its trial office. This is a temporary position with strong potential for permanent conversion.
This role is unique in that it combines traditional criminal defense paralegal responsibilities with dedicated, daily support to a visually impaired senior attorney. The paralegal will serve as a critical partner in ensuring effective client representation, both in and out of the courtroom, while also providing support to a broader team of attorneys.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Attorney Support
- Serve as the primary (“right hand”) support to a visually impaired senior attorney
- Escort attorney to and from court and assist with navigation throughout the office and courthouse
- Guide attorney in the courtroom, including leading him to the podium and standing alongside him during proceedings
- Read court files, legal documents, correspondence, and case materials aloud
- Take detailed dictation and accurately capture notes during client interviews and court proceedings (on and off the record)
- Assist with drafting motions, pleadings, and legal correspondence on the attorney’s behalf
Case & Client Support
- Maintain, organize, and input case notes into the case management system (LawManager)
- Conduct legal research; digest and outline case records
- Assist with case preparation, including assembling court files and preparing summary reports
- Draft subpoenas and assist with general litigation support tasks
- Serve as liaison between attorney and clients
- Communicate with clients via phone and assist with completing forms, releases, and other documents
- Handle client and agency correspondence; refer clients to external agencies as needed
Administrative & Team Support
- Manage calendaring, including tracking deadlines and court appearances
- Make client-related and administrative phone calls
- Submit inter-office referrals through internal systems
- Provide support to an additional 3–4 attorneys as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, Paralegal Certificate, or 4+ years of relevant experience
- Prior paralegal experience required; criminal defense or litigation experience strongly preferred
- Exceptional patience, empathy, and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent listening, writing, and dictation skills
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and reliability
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management systems
Additional Details
- The supported attorney has been with the organization for approximately 45 years and typically leaves the office around 1:00 PM; however, the paralegal is expected to remain for the full workday
How to Apply: Send your resume to Chelsea Johnson at cjohnson@oncallcounsel.com!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.
