Appeals Division/Public Records Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $50,000-$55,000

Appeals Division/Public Records Paralegal

The Appeals Division Paralegal is assigned to the Appeals Division, works under the supervision of the Chief of Appeals and primary responsibilities include providing support to Appeals Assistant District Attorneys by assisting with responses to subpoenas and public record requests, maintaining response management systems, and communicating with requesters.

The principal responsibilities include:

• Perform substantive legal work that spans research, drafting, discovery, and public records compliance with a strong emphasis on applying the Massachusetts Public Records Law and related regulations.

• Coordinate and assist with responses to subpoenas and public records requests, including applying appropriate redactions, drafting correspondence, managing production timelines, and maintaining tracking systems.
• Serve as a liaison with members of the public, attorneys, and representatives from agencies across all levels of government to facilitate effective communication and coordination.
• Serve as a point of contact for requests from victims and/or their family members, law enforcement, media, and members of the public, ensuring appropriate routing and follow-up.
• Provide administrative support to the Office, including processing correspondence and assisting with operational needs or special projects as assigned.

• Other tasks as assigned from time to time.

The Appeals Division Paralegal may also be asked to perform other duties across various locations as directed by the District Attorney, the Chief of Appeals or Deputy Chief of Appeals.

In addition to these above responsibilities the Paralegal is required to:

• Fulfill the mandatory education and training requirements of the State Ethics Commission
• Become familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Office Personnel Policies, particularly with regard to confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace and the usage of information technology resources
• Participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
• Interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff
• Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associates or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies and/or previous paralegal experience preferred, especially as a litigation paralegal (Paralegal Certificate preferred)
• Strong computer skills and the ability to use and adapt to avariety of software programs
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• The ability to perform general legal research
• Knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• Self-starter, with proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with the ability to multi-task in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and workplace etiquette
• Excellent organizational skills, project completion skills with a strong attention to detail
• A sincere interest in the public sector, the work of the EDAO, an overall understanding of theCriminal Justice System and the role of the prosecution
• The sensitive and confidential nature of our work requires strong personal character, integrity,judgment, maturity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality

All full-time positions offer a state benefit package that includes health, life, disability, and dental/vision insurances, retirement plans, vacation, personal and sick leave and more. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5-hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Essex District Attorneys Office is an EEO Employer.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of the Essex District Attorney's Office to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state anti-discrimination law. The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to and promotes equal opportunity and diversity.