Legal and Compliance Paralegal

Contra Costa County Public Defender's office is seeking to fill one (1) Legal Assistant vacancy with a highly motivated candidate with a strong ability to understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Legal Assistants in Contra Costa County provide confidential specialized legal and other complex technical and paraprofessional assistance. Incumbents in this classification will assist on various assignments with a team who are passionate about the clients they serve.

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office?

The Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office provides vigorous, client-centered advocacy to indigent persons accused of crimes in Contra Costa County. Our overriding goal is to serve the best interests of our clients in everything we do. We believe that justice can only be served when the most underserved and vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention, dignity, and respect as the most powerful. Our main office is located in Martinez along with offices located in Richmond, Walnut Creek, and an Alternate Defender Office in Martinez.

An issue spotter and problem solver as it pertains to all facts and data

Proficient with computer equipment and applications

Constantly staying current on relevant laws and regulations and ensures practice conforms to them

Committed to maintaining high level of care, thoroughness, focus and quality under pressure

Preparing routine legal documents and other paperwork, including drafts of legal motions, points and authorities, declarations, affidavits, etc., Collecting and analyzing data for deputy district attorney administrative reports

Searching and obtaining recorded documents and court records as requested by district attorney investigators and deputy district attorneys

Assisting attorneys in preparation, litigation, and at trial

Interviewing Public Defender clients in the local jails and in the courts to screen them for eligibility

Preparing legal documents, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data

You will work with dedicated attorneys who are passionate about the clients they serve

Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards

Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims

Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products

Valuing Diversity: Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability

Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability

To read the complete job description, please visit the website here.

An out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License will be accepted during the application process.

Successful completion of an approved paralegal training program. Successful completion of the first year at an accredited school of law. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in any subject and a minimum of one year of full-time attorney supervised law-related experience in a public or private law office. Possession of a high school diploma, G.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate AND Three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent attorney supervised law-related experience in a public or private law office. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003, per the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450.

*Note: Attorney supervised law-related experience must be verified with a written declaration from that attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; This classification is required to furnish personal transportation which will be reimbursed according to County policy.

Experience working in a legal setting for a public agency

Bilingual communication skills, to speak, read and writing in other languages

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