A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
Under administrative direction and supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty assisting staff attorneys in performance of preliminary or specialized legal tasks. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing the probationary period of 12 months. Composes substantive legal correspondence Organizes, indexes, and/or summarizes files and other materials Obtains discovery, conducts legal research; drafts motions, memoranda, notices, demands, jury instructions, and other documents; Gathers information from clients and witnesses through interviews and from documents; confers with clients on case status, preparation, and other matters; Assists attorneys with analyzing cases, developing defenses, theory of case, and trial strategies; Assists at hearings and trials; Drafts questions for prospective witnesses; prepares witness lists; coordinates witnesses; Examines physical evidence, tangible objects, photographs and exhibits; Prepares trial note books; Locates and confers with expert witnesses and resource people; Conducts jury surveys; prepares and serves subpoenas; Prepares diagrams and other exhibits; testifies in court; assists clients with arrangements for bail; acts as jail liaison; Assists clients with post sentencing issues such as jail credit, work release, and restitution; Monitors and reports legislative and case developments affecting clients; Maintains brief bank; administers law library; coordinates activities of interns and law clerks; May design and present information for statewide training programs; Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge :
Working knowledge of the juvenile and criminal justice systems Good knowledge of relevant legal information sources Good knowledge of the principles of legal research Good knowledge of legal protocol, legal vocabulary, document indexing methods and document filing methods
Skills:
Considerable skill in interviewing and listening Considerable skill in written and oral communications Considerable skill in preparing and organizing materials for use by others Considerable skill in analysis of facts and data.
Abilities:
Working ability to use legal research tools such as statutes, digests, practice manuals and computerized legal bases Working ability to develop written and oral reports Working ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Working ability to complete assignments under time constraints; Working ability to perform job duties independently, organize work-flow efficiently, set priorities and meet deadlines; Working ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion; Working ability to provide staff attorneys with a variety of legal processes.
Minimum Qualifications:
Four year paralegal degree from an accredited college or university; OR A two year paralegal certificate from an accredited business or technical school plus two years of approved experience as a Paralegal, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
