*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.
*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
BASIC FUNCTION:
To provide broad-based paraprofessional support to in-house counsel in performing all legal tasks in connection with the implementation of Empire State Development’s economic development mission and purpose.
WORK PERFORMED:
Responsibilities can include some or all the following:
- Research: Support both the legal and public affairs divisions in required research and analysis of program and legal issues upon request. Provide detailed and timely written analysis of research.
- Corporate Transactions/Drafting: As necessary and required by attorneys, prepare initial drafts and/or proofread, cite check, and finalize diverse types of documentation, in support of the legal department’s corporate, lending, litigation and bond issuance activities; correspond with members of the public seeking information on ESD’s activities.
- Other Duties: Under the supervision of the Corporate Secretary, draft and file documents necessary to effectuate the formation of corporate entities; assist in the discharge of all responsibilities for meetings of directors of ESD and its numerous subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including assuring a quorum for all meetings, arranging for stenographic transcription and video conferencing capability; oversee and coordinate the preparation of a large volume of corporate authorization requests, while maintaining the schedule for board meetings; and prepare corporate minutes and resolutions.
- Litigation: Provide litigation support, including drafting correspondence; monitoring personal injury and lien actions; coordinating of all phases of document production; accepting service of papers served on ESD; and filing and obtaining copies of legal papers with various courts.
- Compliance: Assist with Corporation’s annual Public Authorities Reporting and Information System compliance, the preparation of annual subsidiary report and other compliance activities.
- FOIL: When needed, provide back-up support to the Corporation’s Freedom of Information Law Officer and FOIL Paralegal in responding to requests for records; maintaining log of requests and responses; corresponding with members of the public regarding requests for information.
- Project Support: Work closely with attorneys and Project Managers in arranging for public hearings, including reviewing and arranging for the publication of legal notices and obtaining affidavits of publication; booking appropriate meeting space; supervising the preparation of a stenographic record of proceedings; and posting relevant documents to the ESD website for public review.
- Administration: Create and maintain departmental files; maintain in-house legal library.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education Level required: Associate degree and successful completion of paralegal certificate program. Significant related experience may be substituted.
Relevant experience: Five years’ experience as a paralegal, preferably in government, corporate setting or law firm, or the equivalent, is preferred.
Knowledge required: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and superior organizational skills with attention to detail are a must. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collegially and effectively in a team setting. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) with proficiency in data management systems.
