Paralegal

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Paralegal

Market Range:

MR15

Approved Date:

1/15/2021 12:59:39 PM

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

EEO Code:

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P1

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 1

Job Code:

100559

Job Family:

Legal and Compliance

Sub Family:

Legal

Primary Purpose

Gathers information relevant to issues or litigation and interprets legal writings or documents in order to prepare legal documents for attorneys. Assesses factual situations and explains actions taken or decisions made. Prepares routine pleadings, interrogatories and answers to interrogatories, affidavits and related instruments. Maintains docket control, including notification of clients, witnesses and attorneys. Makes filings and record searches. Works under close supervision and as required by Rules of Professional Conduct for licensed attorneys.

•

Conducts legal research and performs litigation duties including but not limited to drafting, reviewing, assembling, organizing and filing documents used in lawsuits. Reviews legal citations in briefs and edits and files briefs with State and Federal Courts. Performs trial preparation duties including witness interviews, preparing exhibits and preparing trial notebooks. Performs word processing duties including working with software programs such as Microsoft, Adobe, Excel and other software as needed. 

1

65%

•

Compiles documents and filings for hard files and online files. Monitors deadlines for filings with State and Federal Courts, scheduling. 

2

25%

•

Conducts consultation with clients and other court personnel/attorneys via e-mail, telephone, fax, texts and in person. 

3

10%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P1

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 1

•

Works on small, routine projects or task-related activities that have some impact on the overall the Work Group.

•

Work is closely supervised.

•

Responsible for making minor changes in systems and processes to solve problems.

•

Identifies, defines and addresses problems that are not complex. Problems are typically within the immediate Work Group.

•

Communicates within or outside of the Work Group to provide information about policies, procedures, or analyses.

•

N/A – Jobs at this level are focused on self-development.

•

Requires basic, theoretical understanding of professional principles and skills, typically obtained through advanced education.

Qualifications

•

Associate's degree

•

Two years of job-related experience

•

Notary Public

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Associate's Degree

Paralegal certification or the ability to obtain within two years.      

And

•

4 Years

law office as a paralegal     

•

PP - Paralegal Professional

Certified Paralegal

Within 2 Years

Or

•

Notary Public

Within 90 Days

•

Excellent oral and written communications skills to communicate effectively.

•

Strong ability to edit and proofread documents. 

•

Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite.

•

Solid organizational skills and format of documents and correspondence.

•

Strong client-relationship skills as well as the ability to use judgment, tact, discretion, and keep information confidential.

•

Strong research and report-generating skills.

•

Ability to be detail oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Attention to Detail

Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.

Interpersonal Skills

Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.  Perceives, assesses, and positively influences one's own and other individuals’ emotions.

Time Management

Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals. Establishes a systematic course of action for self or others to ensure accomplishment of a specific objective. Sets priorities, goals, and timetables to achieve maximum productivity.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Writing

Conveys ideas and facts in writing using language the reader will best understand.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the individual's work

Communication

Communicate and explain a variety of information

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X