Job Description

Duties Description Responsible for compiling and organizing documentation; preparing and assisting in the preparation of legal documents and forms; ensuring court documents, including judgments, are properly and timely filed; logging information; and preparing correspondence and subpoenas. Respond to inquiries and complaints, track cases, ensure that deadlines are met, and maintain various calendars. Conduct research into legal matters, analyze materials, and present both verbal and written comments on your findings. Prepare and maintain files, interview witnesses and clients, record and monitor the status of legislation, and gather and create materials and summaries of legislation and current legal developments pertinent to the agency. The use of computer software and the Internet is integral to these positions and may be used in any of the following areas: preparing documents, creating or updating databases or spreadsheets, tracking and researching assignments or litigation, and communicating. Calculate monies owed to the State and determine responsible parties. This position requires the ability to work independently on some matters/assignments.
Minimum Qualifications Do you want a career with a purpose that provides work/life balance? Apply today to join the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
No exam required under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program.
Non-Competitive Qualifications for appointment under the NY HELPS Program:
For appointment to the Legal Assistant Trainee 1, you must have:

• High school or high school equivalency diploma AND one year of clerical, administrative, or paraprofessional experience.

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).

For appointment to the Legal Assistant Trainee 2, you must have:

• This title is not eligible for appointment under the NY HELPS Program.

For appointment to the Legal Assistant 1, SG-14, you must have:

• Two years of full-time experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant (see "definition" below).

OR

• An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal/legal assistant/legal studies 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 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)

OR

• Graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar

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.
Competitive Minimum Qualifications
You must be currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title, eligible under the 55 b/c program, or eligible to transfer to this title under Section 70.1 or 70.4 of the Civil Service Law.
Transfer:
For 70.1 or 7.04 transfer to a Legal Assistant 1, salary grade (SG)-14, you must have one year of permanent competitive, or 55-b/55-c service in an approved title for transfer allocated to an SG-12 or above, SG-09 or above for a Trainee 1, SG-11 or above for a Trainee 2, depending on qualifications.
To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website: Career Mobility Office GOT-IT (ny.gov)
Appointments via transfer must not result in a second, consecutive transfer with an advancement of more than two S-grades or one M-grade.
55b/55c Program appointment:
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. For more information on this program, please visit the NYS Department of Civil Service website, 55b/c Recruitment Resources Center (ny.gov)
Traineeship salary information:
The position may be filled at the Legal Assistant Trainee 1 equated to SG-11 ($47,695), Legal Assistant Trainee 2 equated to SG-13 ($53,413), or full performance Legal Assistant 1 SG-14 ($56,506) based on the candidate's education, experience, and previous state service. Salary is nonnegotiable.
Candidates hired at the trainee level will be advanced to the full performance Legal Assistant 1 SG-14 following successful completion of the traineeship.
Additional Comments Preferred Qualifications/Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Associate Degree in paralegal studies supplemented by a four year degree preferred.

• Experience with litigation or real property or collection law desired.
• Proficient in excel and/or access applications.
• Experience dealing with the public in any field.

Telecommuting: The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) supports telecommuting where it is reasonable to do so based upon the agency's mission and operational needs. Generally, employees new to OSC will be restricted from telecommuting for at least 8 calendar weeks. After the initial 8 calendar week restriction, if an employee's primary residence location, duties, and work performance are aligned with telecommuting and operational needs they may be allowed to do so. Generally, OSC employees may telecommute up to 5 days per pay period but may be approved to telecommute less.
Reasonable Accommodation: The NYS Office of the State Comptroller provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Division of Human Resources at (518) 474-1924.
Equal Opportunity Employment: The Office of the NYS Comptroller values a workforce with a broad, diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. All employees are expected to contribute to a professional environment focused on self-evaluation and improvement, as well as acceptance and support of coworkers.
The Office of the State Comptroller does not participate in E-Verify or sponsor visa applications.
OSC offers competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for advancement, continuing education, and professional development. We provide a professional environment where employees are encouraged to push themselves while maintaining work-life balance. Our generous benefits package includes:

• A state pension with vesting after five years' service
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance available to all employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent and health care
• Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), allowing eligible employees to exchange previously accrued leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their health insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• Holiday and paid time off
• Shift and geographic pay differentials
• A committed continuous learning environment
• Informational Brown Bag sessions
• Wellness at Work Programs to promote employee health and wellness
• OSC Mentoring Program to network, contribute, and provide an opportunity to strengthen competencies in a variety of areas
• And much more

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

Skills Required