Paralegal

Under general supervision, the Paralegal provides specialized legal, technical, and administrative support to the County Attorney’s Office. This position assists with case preparation, legal research, document drafting, and file management, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, procedures, and deadlines. Paralegal performs a wide range of organizational and administrative tasks to facilitate the efficient operation of the office, support attorneys in litigation and advisory matters, and provide professional assistance to internal departments, outside agencies, and the public.

• Associate’s degree and five (5) years of paralegal experience in a law office; or a combination of education and work experience sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• At least two (2) years of experience showing an increase in responsibilities or difficulty in the work performed.
• Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• Work is performed in an office environment; may be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor; may be subject to extended periods of intense concentration in the review of documents and reports.
• May be subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting such as retrieving files, records, and reports.
• Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays.
• Utilize, process, and navigate the County’s electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.
• This position may be eligible for an alternative worksite arrangement, in accordance with County policy and at the discretion of the Department Head.

The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Prepare resolutions, pleading, deeds, contracts, agreements and affidavits from instructions or prior documents; prepare a variety of legal correspondence in response to citizen or staff questions.
• Prepare and track draft employee handbook revisions and department policies and procedures.
• Perform routine legal research using a variety of conventional and electronic sources; compile research findings and prepare response. 
• Manage public records requests in accordance with the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA); maintain electronic storage of public records requests.
• Monitor operations and procedures and submit recommendations for improving the work group’s functions and processes; clarify and reconcile issues relating to policies and procedures.
• Maintain calendars and tickler files; schedule hearings, meetings, and seminars; perform reception duties; screen and direct incoming calls, directing callers to the appropriate party or providing answers to routing questions.
• Establish and maintain the legal department’s manual and electronic filing systems; process claims for expenses; assist other support staff as appropriately.
• Review and edit contracts received from purchasing; prepare confidential correspondence; oversee maintenance of logs and files; prepare draft agenda documentation for Commission meetings; manage and meet all legal publication deadlines pursuant to statute and ordinance.
• Serve as notary public; operate word processor, database and financial management systems.
• Handle sensitive and confidential data and ensure the quality and integrity of all information produced.
• Coordinate a variety of administrative activities including payroll reporting and report processing. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.