PARALEGAL

Paralegal

Under direction, incumbents assist attorneys in the preparation of cases for trial and hearing matters, prepare exhibits and witnesses for trial, analyze existing information regarding the case at hand, research and interpret pertinent case law, and research and develop the content of legal documents. The Paralegal series includes the following: Paralegal Trainee (2302GE) Paralegal (2303GE) Senior Paralegal (2304GE)

Positions allocated to this series perform paraprofessional legal assistance at various levels from trainee to advanced journey. Incumbents are under the direction of and provide assistance to one or more attorneys engaged in administrative, family, civil, or criminal law in the offices of County Counsel, District Attorney, Public Defender and Department of Child Support Services. The Paralegal is the journey-level classification in the occupational series. Positions allocated to this class shall report to an attorney and are assigned progressively complex legal work that is performed under the direction, supervision, and technical review of an attorney. Incumbents may be required to have extensive contact with clients and witnesses. The work performed requires knowledge of legal concepts, principles, terminology and procedures, and the extensive use of legal reference materials. The Paralegal is distinguished from the next higher class, Senior Paralegal, by the latter's lead function, and the high level of technical specialization and complexity of assignments.

Below is a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this classification. These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

• Review, summarize and respond to legal pleadings.
• Request information from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, court, and penal institutions.
• Process, analyze and upload digital evidence for review.
• Prepare discovery, which may include, but is not limited to, analyzing, indexing, redacting, numbering, and documenting.
• Review and process requests for criminal record background information in order to determine the existence or non-existence of prior convictions.
• Research and analyze law sources, such as statutes, ordinances, court decisions, criminal pleadings, police reports, legal documents and articles for use in preparing legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, contracts, deeds, opinions, etc., for review, approval and use by an attorney.
• Maintain and produce statistical reports.
• Summarize, organize, and index prior opinions, testimony, depositions, and documentary material from investigations, interrogatories, and court proceedings.
• Assist clients with placement in social services programs.
• Analyze probate, guardianship, and conservatorship petitions for compliance with statutes, ordinances, and court orders; recommend granting petitions and correcting deficiencies; assist probate judge with preparation of court orders and contact civil attorneys regarding changes to petitions.
• Direct preparation of subpoenas and assure witness compliance.
• Coordinate pre-trial case preparation.
• Attend court and direct preparation of court orders by office support staff.
• Analyze elements of cases to identify legal questions.
• Research authorities and pertinent cases on specific points of law.
• Prepare points and authorities in support of case.
• Prepare legal documents by refining content and language of pleading, affidavits, declarations, motions, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Locate and conduct interviews with parties and potential witnesses and advise attorneys of appropriate action based on the information obtained in the interviews.
• Arrange and attend evidence examinations with attorneys, investigators and/or expert witnesses.
• Assist attorneys in trials by formulating juror questionnaires, assisting with jury selection proceedings, and coordinating witness appearances at trial.

Knowledge of Civil and/or criminal legal processes Principles, concepts and methodology of legal research, discovery, and fact investigation Legal principles and practice Legal terminology Principles of legal writing Content and language requirements of legal documents Rules of evidence and the conduct of court proceedings Investigative interviewing techniques Ability to Prioritize caseload to meet deadlines Extract and organize information from diverse, complex, and obscure sources Present statements of fact and law, and argue clearly and logically in written and oral form Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the legal profession, public officials, and the general public Effectively communicate with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in stressful situations, which will require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy Produce clear and concise documents Interpret applicable state and federal codes, laws, and statutes Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information Education and Experience One (1) year experience as a Paralegal Trainee with the County of Orange. Or Two (2) years of experience in a law office performing paralegal duties that demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities listed as minimum qualifications above. Or Four (4) years of legal office support experience such as Attorney Clerk II, Senior Family Support Officer, Investigative Assistant and Senior Legal Secretary for the County of Orange. Legal/Paralegal courses or training may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience at the rate of three semester units or the equivalent equaling one-month of experience and one hour of job-related training equaling one hour of experience License/Certification Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher by date of appointment may be required for some assignments Special Requirements In addition to the above minimum requirements, candidates must possess one of the following as per California Business and Professions Code 6450: A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. A Bachelor's or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who is or has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who is or has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from the supervising attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003. Every two years all paralegals shall be required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law. Every three years certification of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics is required.

Physical and Mental Requirements Frequent walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, and twisting and bending at the waist. Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate and take direction in person, over the telephone and in the courtroom. Ability to read standard text, fine print, various handwritings, view a computer monitor, and to drive. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity to handwrite and/or use a computer keyboard. Ability to perform daily tasks with independent body mobility, agility, and stamina sufficient to stand, or sit, walk, stoop, and bend routinely for prolonged periods. Ability to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard. Ability to independently reason and analyze data, and to reach objective conclusions. Ability to work under stressful conditions, deadlines and competing priorities. Ability to work with other individuals successfully and collaboratively. Environmental and Working Conditions Essential functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work primarily in an office setting around machinery with stationery or moving parts. May have exposure to firearms from working near law enforcement professionals. May work in a non-standard field environment. May work in facilities with adult inmates and/or juveniles who may have multiple and complex health, social, and psychosocial needs. May interact with the public in emotional and occasional hostile situations. May be required to drive a County vehicle or use County-approved means of transportation for job-related travel.