PARALEGAL

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required; supplemented by two years of administrative support experience in a legal setting or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Specific License or Certification Required Certification as a Paralegal is preferred. Certification as a Notary Public is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performing essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. Veterans’ Preference Qualifying veterans will be given preference in the form of a guaranteed invitation to interview for any position to which they applied and have been found to have met the minimum qualifications. Veterans’ preference provides for hiring preference on initial appointment only. Purpose of Classification The purpose of this classification is to conduct legal research, to assist attorneys and judicial staff in court, and to provide lead direction to legal assistants or other administrative staff as assigned. Essential Functions Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned crew or co-workers: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co‑workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co‑workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; assists with supervision of co‑workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations. Conducts preliminary investigations: reviews complaints and other pleadings; conducts research to determine appropriate jurisdiction; reviews rules of procedure and calendar deadlines; gathers and evaluates initial facts and documents; interviews clients; maintains all related documentation. Conducts discovery investigations: determines and interviews witnesses; drafts and/or reviews interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents; coordinates collection and review of client files and documents; gathers, organizes, summarizes and analyzes data; drafts and/or reviews responses to discovery requests; locates and retains expert witnesses; prepares chronologies; reviews hearing notices and publications; maintains related documentation. Manages document production: obtains and reviews all documents in client's possession; conducts initial review for privilege; confers with attorney to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production and litigation support, including reviewing, indexing, organizing, and analyzing documents; follows up on outstanding discovery requests. Coordinates depositions: schedules depositions with client and opposing counsel; drafts, reviews, and serves notices and subpoenas; reviews and assembles documents; assists with witness preparation; retains court reporter; indexes and summarizes depositions. Drafts and responds to formal motions and briefs: performs research and compiles necessary information for motions and briefs; prepares exhibits; researches and confirms validity of case history; reviews, proofs, and submits documentation to appropriate personnel; coordinates the service of briefs and court filings. Participates in trial preparation and execution: prepares pleading, deposition and trial notebooks with key documents and witness files; discusses courtroom etiquette with clients and witnesses; coordinates appearance of expert witnesses; organizes, marks, and indexes trial exhibits; monitors and coordinates exchange of trial exhibits; manages evidence and equipment; attends jury selection; maintains jury information and details; assists attorney during trial as needed. Maintains documents, forms, files, checklists, and knowledge of current court rules: maintains litigation docket; maintains calendar of significant dates for case events, such as responsive pleadings and motions, court appearances, etc.; designs and implements case litigation systems as needed. Processes documentation associated with department/division operations: receives and reviews various documentation, including pleading files, legal case decisions, client files and documents, depositions and exhibits; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including motions, briefs and case documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hard‑copy records. Operates or uses various equipment and supplies: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e‑mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with supervisor, other employees, clients, court personnel, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Performs other related duties as required. Additional Functions for Applicants With Prior Military Service Leadership Under Pressure: Maintains composure and accuracy when handling urgent filings, tight court deadlines, or last‑minute attorney requests; manages multiple priorities during high‑volume case periods; supports attorneys by anticipating needs during fast‑moving legal proceedings. Operational Planning & Execution: Organizes case materials, deadlines, and workflow to ensure smooth legal operations; prepares and tracks motions, subpoenas, and discovery packets; maintains orderly case files (digital and physical) for quick retrieval; coordinates schedules with attorneys, courts, and external agencies. Adaptability & Rapid Problem Solving: Adjusts quickly to new case developments, shifting priorities, or unexpected attorney directives; reorganizes case files or timelines when new evidence arrives; finds alternative solutions when documents, records, or contacts are unavailable. Team Cohesion & Communication: Works collaboratively with attorneys, clerks, investigators, and administrative staff to support unified case strategy; ensures attorneys have accurate information before hearings or meetings; builds trust through reliability, follow‑through, and professional interactions. Safety & Risk Awareness: Identifies legal, ethical, and procedural risks to protect case integrity and client rights; flags inconsistencies or missing documents that could impact case outcomes; monitors compliance with court rules, filing requirements, and deadlines. Technical & Equipment Proficiency: Uses legal software, case‑management systems, and office technology efficiently; manages electronic case files and uploads documents to court portals; conducts legal research using databases like Westlaw or Lexis. Performance Aptitudes Data Utilization: Evaluate, audit, deduce, and assess data using established criteria, exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences. Human Interaction: Lead a work unit, provide guidance to a work unit, coordinate activities, and review work of the unit. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Operate, maneuver, and/or control equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in performing essential functions. Verbal Aptitude: Utilize consulting and advisory data and information, and reference descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable. Mathematical Aptitude: Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; calculate decimals and percentages; utilize principles of fractions; interpret graphs. Functional Reasoning: Apply principles of rational systems; interpret instructions in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards. Situational Reasoning: Exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria. It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability or sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr