Paralegal

Paralegal Position

The Boone County Prosecutor's Office is currently offering an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in the legal field. We are looking for a full-time, entry-level Paralegal to join our team. While prior experience as a paralegal is not required, candidates should have a background in professional office settings, particularly within legal, medical, or similar sectors. The role involves a range of responsibilities, including providing comprehensive legal and clerical support. The ideal candidate will be adept at producing and delivering high-quality legal and clerical services, which are vital to the functioning of the criminal division and to serving the community effectively. An interest in criminal law would be beneficial for this role, as it is central to the daily tasks and long-term goals of the position. This is a chance to contribute to the justice system and make a meaningful impact on the community. Interested applicants are encouraged to consider this role if they are looking to build a career in the legal domain and serve the public interest.

Examples of duties include:

• Assisting Deputy Prosecutors as assigned, including attending legal proceedings, coordinating and assisting witnesses, updating calendars, scheduling depositions, and assisting with case files and related documents.
• Performing research as assigned, reviewing computer and document files for case law and previous criminal activity of defendants. Research and analyze specific legal topics and case laws as directed, using various legal directories, code and case law books, computer research programs, Indiana Trial Rule, Indiana Legal Directory, Criminal Code, and other legal and research sources.
• Answering telephone and greeting office visitors, providing information and assistance, taking messages, and transferring/directing to appropriate individual or department. Responding to telephone inquiries regarding department policies and procedures and specific cases.
• Preparing a variety of documents for court hearings and/or trials, including but not limited to e-files, briefs, motions, and drafts plea agreements and other legal pleadings at the request of attorney(s). Preparing subpoenas for trials/hearings, filing subpoenas with Clerk's Office, and releasing subpoenas when needed.
• Preparing and assembling case files, including forwarding appropriate information, filing documents, preparing/mailing correspondence and other documents, disposing of closed files, requesting necessary documents from law enforcement to complete case evidence, preparing and distributing discovery materials to the defense attorney.
• Reading police reports, citations, summaries and warrant requests, determining what charges to file and communicating charging decisions and proposed offers to appropriate Deputy Prosecutor.
• Requesting necessary documents from law enforcement to complete case evidence, preparing and distributing discovery materials to the defense attorney.
• Reviewing case files and obtaining necessary evidence (body cam footage, lab reports, police reports, photos, etc.) for the purpose of discovery within time periods set by local rules.
• Performing various administrative support duties, including, but not limited to, maintaining files, preparing and typing correspondence, maintaining case statistics/spread sheets, delivering documents to the courthouse, collecting, sorting and distributing mail, and notarizing documents.
• Scheduling conferences with witness and/or law enforcement to meet with the assigned attorney and attend as needed.
• Attending conferences, workshops, and training programs as required.
• Assisting in trial preparation, including, but not limited to creating jury instructions, verdict forms, locating/interviewing witnesses, and trial exhibits and power point presentations.
• Reviewing and redacting documents that have confidential information – for example medical records or mental health records.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to incoming paralegals.
• Performing any lawful duties assigned by the Prosecuting Attorney or their designee.

Typical qualifications include:

• Associate degree in related field and/or equivalent training or work experience. Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Prior experience working in a prosecutor's office, legal support role, or other professional legal environment strongly preferred.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check – no previous arrests or convictions.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to meet all department hiring retention requirements.
• Ability to obtain specialized training/certification in IDACS and NCIC with 18 months of start of employment.
• Working knowledge of courts system and operations, including laws and legal terminology, administrative regulations, and official court policies and practices. Ability to apply appropriate procedures to assigned duties accordingly.
• Working knowledge of standard office procedures, spreadsheet/database software, word processing software, PowerPoint presentations, and various other computer software programs used by the Prosecutor's Office (Prosecutors Case Management System knowledge preferred), with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a computer, fax machine, copier, scanner, telephone, and label maker.
• Working knowledge of standard filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and organized files.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare documents/reports, and type with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
• Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Ability to file, post, and e-file materials and copy data from one document to another.
• An ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with distraught or irate/hostile people.
• Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences between data, people, or things.
• Ability to plan/coordinate work projects and compile, collate, or classify data.
• Ability to coordinate, make determinations, and act based on data analysis.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, court staff, prisons/correctional facilities, defendants, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours, weekends, and evenings, and travel out of town for conferences and meetings, sometimes overnight.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

Supplemental information includes:

Individuals would perform a majority of duties in a standard office environment, involving working alone with minimum supervision, working under time pressure, and working on several tasks at the same time. Reading/carrying out simple written instructions, applying knowledge of people/locations, planning, and laying out assigned work projects, counting, and making simple arithmetic, prepare detailed reports, such as arrest reports, financial statements, activity reports, crime statistics. Sitting and walking at will, working with others in a team environment, working rapidly for long periods, understanding, and carrying out oral instructions, memorizing and retaining instructions, testifying in legal proceedings/court, working with, or exposed to violent/irate individuals, lifting/carrying under 25 pounds, handling/grasping objects, typing, speaking clearly, and sitting for long periods of time. Individuals occasionally work extended hours and sometimes travel out of town for conferences, meetings, training and possibly overnight. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The job requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Boone County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities, who require accommodation, complete the application process, or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would present an undue hardship. Boone County, Indiana, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.