Paralegal

This position is responsible for providing administrative and professional support to the Dallas County Attorney's office. Obtains and Reviews police reports and criminal histories for accuracy and completeness to determine appropriate charges and prepare trial information. Prepares other legal pleadings including, but not limited to, additional minutes, motions to amend/transfer/continue, transport orders, Writs, Governor's Warrants and other documents as needed or requested by attorneys. Responsible for receiving and docketing lab reports, corresponding with officers on the status of the evidence, communicating with the lab, notify law enforcement and/or attorney's when appropriate. Responsible for requesting, reviewing and redacting medical records. Review law enforcement referrals for appropriate charges, proper venue, and other evidentiary needs. Proofread, review, and file court documents with the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) at the request of attorneys. Assist attorneys with legal research. Assist with all areas of trial preparation including, but not limited to, witness preparation and coordination, evidence preparation, preparing trial notebooks and—when requested-- attendance at trial. Assist attorneys with evidence preparation and organization, including analyzing case documents, determining their use as exhibits for depositions, hearings and trial, and filing chosen exhibits to the Court document management system. Responsible for assisting with trials including jury selection, tracking offered/admitted exhibits, coordinating witnesses, assisting victims, discussing strategy, preparing changes and anything else the Attorneys may need. Assist with reviewing legal pleadings prepared by prosecuting intern for accuracy and files documents in EDMS. Serves as back-up for the Victim Witness Coordinator as needed. Comprehend and comply with all Court rules, including any Court or legislative changes to rules. Personal interaction with attorneys, law enforcement, witnesses and crime victims, including support of statutory duties for crime victims as delineated by the Code of Iowa. Performs related duties.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field - AND- Two or more years experience within a law office or similar legal organization. Law Office experience of more than 2 years can substitute for education.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge of appropriate drafting of legal documents including pleadings, discovery documents, case analysis memoranda, outlines, narrative summaries, litigation organizational materials, correspondence and reports. Understands legal terminology. Knowledge of the criminal justice process, civil law and court procedures. Skill in prioritizing, planning, taking initiative and working independently. Skill in meeting internal and external deadlines. Skill in critical and strategic thinking. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in creating a quality and accurate work product in a timely manner. Skill in effective, professional, tactful and confident oral and written communication. Skill in operating computers and job-related software programs. Skill in Microsoft Office and Adobe programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Dallas County participates in E-Verify.