Paralegal (To Establish an Eligibility List)

This position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. 

NATURE OF WORK 
Under minimal supervision, provides paralegal expertise in legal research and legal document preparation in support of Yuma County attorneys; this position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Researches legal questions; prepares legal recommendations; prepares and proofs legal documents such as briefs, petitions, motions, affidavits, and other documents for use by attorneys; conducts interviews and investigations; participates with attorneys in pretrial preparation; coordinates and monitors assigned projects; serves copies of pleadings to opposing counsel; delivers documents to various county offices; coordinates activities with other offices and agencies; prepares and assembles discovery requests and answers; gathers information for prosecution and litigation; prepares written and oral reports for internal and external audiences; tracks legal documents, and routes to defendants, attorneys and courts for processing; maintains, tracks, and updates legal information; prepares, develops, compiles and maintains jury instructions in preparing for trial; reviews and verifies case documentation for completeness and accuracy of information; acts as liaison for attorney to the court, law enforcement agencies, various entities, clients and the general public; develops and secures evidence and documentation, coordinates court notes and exhibits for trial; establishes and maintains complex files related to criminal and civil cases; provides a wide range of legal support and administrative duties; provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority; performs other duties as assigned.

Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field; AND two (2) years of legal office experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; certification as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal required within (1) year of appointment; must maintain a clear criminal record.

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; Federal and Arizona laws, and County regulations, codes and written directives; legal research techniques, legal terminology, and court protocol and practices; the basic principles of record keeping, case files and records management; personal computers utilizing a variety of software applications.

Skill in: Researching, analyzing, and interpreting laws, governmental regulations, technical and administrative procedures; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with law enforcement and court officers, employees, advocates, and the public; drafting and completing accurate reports, legal documents and technical correspondence; following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Ability to: Analyzes, understand, interprets and represent cases effectively in court; communicate effectively; read, write, research and synthesizes data; use modern office equipment and computers; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation; lift up to 5 – 10 lbs.

 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.