Trial Assistant (HELP Program)

Job Description

Trial Assistant (HELP Program) | Monroe County

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Monroe County, a local government entity located in Rochester, NY. This position is vital for supporting attorneys within the Law Department through all phases of child protective and criminal proceedings, including trial and appellate processes. The role offers the opportunity to assume direct responsibility for specific legal matters, contributing directly to the administration of justice. Monroe County is utilizing the HELP Program to streamline hiring for diverse, qualified permanent employees without the need for traditional examinations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Rochester, NY
• Pay: $45550–$60217 annually
• Team: Law Department; reports to a Deputy County Attorney or higher-level staff member.
• Mission: Provide comprehensive assistance to attorneys in child protective and criminal proceedings, from pre-trial through post-trial and appellate stages.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Legal Support: Provide comprehensive support to attorneys across all aspects of child protective and criminal proceedings and trials.
• Trial Preparation: Assist with pre-trial and post-trial preparation activities, ensuring attorneys are fully ready for court.
• Investigation: Conduct necessary investigations relevant to ongoing child protective or criminal cases.
• Appellate Assistance: Support the appellate process for assigned legal matters, preparing relevant documentation and research.
• Case Ownership: Assume direct responsibility for selected legal matters as directed by supervising attorneys.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, combined with specific education and/or experience in legal support.
• Experience:
* Satisfactory completion of an accredited paralegal training and instructional program with certification, plus one (1) year of paid full-time or equivalent part-time experience drafting and composing legal documents in a law office setting; OR,
* Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree, plus completion of at least one (1) year of post-graduate education in law; OR,
* Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree, plus one (1) year of paid full-time or equivalent part-time experience drafting and composing legal documents in a law office setting; OR,
* Graduation with an Associate’s degree, plus three (3) years of paid full-time or equivalent part-time experience drafting and composing legal documents in a law office setting; OR,
* Five (5) years of paid full-time or equivalent part-time experience drafting and composing legal documents in a law office setting; OR,
* An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the above limits.
• Skills: Proven ability in drafting and composing legal documents, conducting investigations, and providing comprehensive support for legal proceedings and trials.