Paralegal

Performs variety of assignments, which may include but not be limited to drafting, reviewing, and approving for forma and legality, various legal instruments, preparing routine opinions on regulations, procedures, and operations of a unit or agency, for an attorney’s approval. Work involves research into laws and legal precedents. Employee may present findings with preliminary legal analysis subject to professional legal review. Work is reviewed through inspection, conferences, reports, and review of completed work.

Qualification Requirements

• Coordinating with attorneys to ensure assigned legal matters are adequately supported.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulations and ethical standards in assigned work.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports related to assigned work.
• Ensure that all legal documents are correctly drafted and filed.
• Coordinate with attorneys and other legal professionals.
• Follow and support implementation of policies and procedures to improve efficiency in assigned work.
• Monitor the workflow and deadlines for multiple projects.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
• Knowledge of NC General Statutes Chapter 7B, Juvenile Code and Chapter 1A, and rules of Civil Procedure.
• Prepare Juvenile Summons, Petitions, Notices of Hearing and Affidavits for all abuse/neglect/dependency cases and file them at the District Courthouse in Pender County.
• Assist Agency attorney in preparing petitions, subpoenas, and applications of Writ of Habeas Corpus.
• Receive, organize, and disseminate all court reports to all parties and input in Legal Department database.
• Distribute all Discovery in juvenile matters to all involved parties in a timely fashion.
• Attend and record notes from the monthly DSS court sessions.
• Coordinate schedules for staffing court cases.
• Disseminate all signed court orders, prepare orders for court cases wherein custody or guardianship is granted.
• Prepare monthly DSS court calendar, monthly Permanency Planning Review schedule, orders for Compliance with Rule 7 of Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• Input all client information into Legal Database.
• Interact with Attorneys, Judges, social workers, supervisors, program managers, Clerk of Court, law enforcement, child forensic interviewers, medical doctors, etc.
• Knowledge of Elder Abuse and Elder Financial Exploitation Statutes Chapter 108A-101.
• Prepare and file all Petitions for the adjudication of Incompetence, Notice of Hearing, Application for Appointment of Guardian, Certificates of Service and deliver Ward’s copy and the Guardian ad Litem’s copy to the Sheriff. Mail all filed documents to all other parties.
• Schedules hearing dates.
• Prepares Application for Letters of Appointment of Guardianship of the Person, Guardianship of the Estate, General Guardianship and/or Limited Guardianship.
• Prepares Oath/Affirmation for Fiduciary, Order Authorizing Issuance of the Appointment of Letters, Applications for Appointment of Guardian, Letters of Appointment for the Clerk of Superior Court, Motions to Modify guardianship.
• Prepare Requests for State Bond Coverage (DAAS 7016), prepare and file Corporate Surety Bond AOC Form E-401
• Attend court, assisting in collection of Defendant payments.
• Assist staff in preparing purge sheets, preparing subpoenas, Motions to secure liens for Defendants in Estate probate matters.
• Input Court orders on all CPS/APS clients to assist other DSS departments in verifying Custody, Guardianship, and income information.
• Other duties as assigned.

A meticulous and experienced Paralegal. Responsibilities include coordinating with attorneys, overseeing legal documentation, and supporting the efficiency of legal procedures. Should have strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of legal terminologies and principles, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Significant knowledge of office methods and practices. Knowledge of and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling and office terminology to compose correspondence. Ability to use web-based programs and input data. Proficient in MS Office Suite and Outlook. Ability to work with people with courtesy and tact in performing public contact duties that may be sensitive in nature. This position requires the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and assignments. Good organizational and mathematical skills are essential to this position. The ability to communicate with clients/applicants and public officials to obtain data is vital to this position. The ability to diffuse potentially hostile clients and be firm in communicating agency policy is essential.

• Proven work experience as a Paralegal or similar role in a law firm or legal department.
• Extensive knowledge of legal principles and terminologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in legal research and documentation.

• They may also be involved in legal work such as legal research, drafting legal documents, maintaining case files, and assisting attorneys during trials.
• In addition, they are responsible for staying updated on changes in legal regulations, court decisions, and legal technology, and applying this knowledge in their work.
• Paralegal should have strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and terminology.
• They should be able to work effectively under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of legal principles and practices to understand and review complex legal documents, briefs, and agreements.
• Paralegal must have excellent communication abilities and a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and terminology.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage large volumes of work, maintain a database of legal documents, and manage schedules and deadlines effectively.
• Strong research skills to gather and analyze legal information, understand case law and legal precedents, and provide useful insights to attorneys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with attorneys, clients, and other legal professionals, explain complex legal concepts, and prepare clear, concise legal reports.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential legal issues, propose solutions, and assist in decision-making processes.
• Attention to detail for reviewing legal documents, conducting research, and ensuring accurate, error-free work.
• Knowledge of legal software and technology for efficient case management, document review, and legal research.

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Paralegal Studies, or a related field.
• Paralegal certification is preferred.

• A minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience in a paralegal role is required.
• Valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina.

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires standing and occasionally requires walking, sitting, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).