Paralegal (Legal Assistant)

Seeking a dynamic, organized, and motivated individual to join our County Counsel team. Those with experience in a law office or courtroom setting are especially encouraged to apply; a Paralegal Certificate is not required for this position.

Under general direction, to assist attorneys with research and the preparation of documents and records required for litigation and the issuance of legal opinion; legal office operations; to complete related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARCTERISTICS:

This is considered a paraprofessional classification and the incumbent is expected to possess specialized expertise in a variety of technical areas related to the legal system.

• Under attorney direction, prepare pleadings, letters, exhibits, and other records and documents in a wide variety of administrative and civil cases at the local, state, and federal level.
• Under attorney direction, research applicable procedural statutes and ordinances, Rules of Court, and Local Rules for various superior and appellate court proceedings in state and federal court and for local and state administrative hearings.
• Prepare, format, file, and arrange for service of legal documents and exhibits in local administrative hearings and state and federal superior, district, and appellate court cases.
• Both independently and under attorney direction, initiate and receive email, phone, facsimile, and mail communications with the public, parties, staff, the Board of Supervisors, and the clerks of administrative hearing bodies and superior and appellate courts.
• Screen incoming office phone calls, email, faxes and mail and, pursuant to department policy, direct documents and communications to the appropriate attorney or other staff member.
• Proactively calendar applicable hearing dates and filing deadlines for court cases and administrative actions.
• Prepare accountings in accordance with state law in conservatorship cases.
• Assist attorneys in the preparation or review of Board of Supervisors agenda items.
• Under the direction of the County Counsel, assist with development and management the department’s budget office budget and litigation expenses.
• Procure and manage office supplies and training materials in coordination with Administration, the Auditor/Controller, Technology Services, and outside vendors.
• Handle highly confidential work with discretion.
• Fill out payroll documents and submit to Auditor.
• Work with Human Resources and Technology Services to onboard new staff.
• Track and submit attorney time. 
• Book conferences and travel and process bills. 
• Assist with records preparation and responding to Public Records Act requests. 

Knowledge of:
 
Basic legal concepts, terminology, principles and procedures; use of legal reference materials; forms of actions and procedures; county government operations; state and federal court systems; role of the paralegal staff in a legal office.

Ability to:
 

Reason logically and accurately analyze situations; read comprehensively; prepare concise reports and summary sheets which set forth statements of fact, applications of relevant law and conclusions; read and understand statutes; prepare drafts of pleadings; draft litigation and discovery documents; work cooperatively with attorneys and members of support staff; perform billing and similar clerical work.