Paralegal

Paralegal Position

This position provides professional-level paralegal assistance to attorneys to support the legal efforts of the office. Provides administrative and research support services, including document preparation and review; interviewing clients and witnesses; research, investigations, and fact-checking; and trial preparation. This position may be part of the Paralegal career progression series, which includes Associate Paralegal, Paralegal and Senior Paralegal. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects. Stays in close communication with attorneys and legal staff regarding assigned caseload.
• Drafts routine and complex legal documents, such as memoranda, legal pleadings, motions, affidavits, general correspondence, contracts, regulations, bylaws, and ordinances. Assists with coordination and review of documents; files applicable legal documents in accordance with established judicial and office policies and procedures.
• Conducts legal research on wide variety of subject matter areas, such as statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other sources. Provides written analysis to attorneys when appropriate.
• Assists with all stages of prosecution or litigation matters, such as case review, drafting pleadings, trial/hearing preparation, legal processes, file management, document production, and assisting at court trials and hearings.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Processes electronic filing of documents in State and Federal court; assists with any non-electronic filing as necessary.
• Responds to correspondence, telephone, and walk-in inquiries from employees, court staff, attorneys, and members of the public. Determines needs and routes matters for handling, answers questions, and provides information as appropriate regarding cases, policies, office procedures, and services.
• Provides administrative support as needed; may serve as a notary public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area. Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to successfully meet the requirements of Paralegal Matrix, as applicable.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Knowledge of legal terminology. Knowledge of court rules and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Strong proficiency in databases and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Ability to draft legal pleadings and correspondence. Ability to write clearly and concisely with regard to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and to exercise sound and professional judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively verbally and in writing with County staff, Elected Officials, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including copiers, computers, telephone, and fax machines.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Paralegal certificate or degree. Two years of legal experience may substitute for the required education.
• Three years of paralegal experience related to assigned area or function.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation and drug screen.

Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in an office or courtroom environment. Hybrid remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs. The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the needs of the department or office and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Onsite health centers
• Onsite fitness centers
• Reach Your Peak wellness program
• Short and long term disability
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts to include dependent care
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• Deferred compensation (457b)