Supervising Paralegal

FIRST DAY OF FILING:
OCTOBER 29, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. (PT)  

• Flexible Benefit Plans - The County provides each employee with a monthly "benefit allowance" they can use to pay for benefits, allowing employees to choose among a variety of pre-tax and after-tax benefits that include Medical and Dental coverage, Group life insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Health care spending accounts, Long-term disability health insurance, Subsidized Dependent Care Spending Accounts. 
• Robust Retirement Packages - Contributory-defined benefit plan; optional tax-deferred income plans that may include a county matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary.
• Generous Maternity and Family Leave Benefits
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays per year

Supervises the work of Paralegals by assigning work, planning, advising, monitoring, motivating, training, supporting, coaching, counseling, and disciplining; by approving employees' work products; and by evaluating work performance in order to ensure a) the unit runs effectively and b) that quality services are efficiently delivered according to applicable Departmental policies, procedures, and regulations; etc.

Oversees, monitors, assesses and evaluates the operation of the assigned section by developing, implementing, and modifying policies and procedures governing Paralegal functions consistent with legal, court, and departmental requirements; planning, directing, scheduling, running statistical reports; meeting with staff; coordinating the work activities; etc. in order to ensure: a) the unit runs effectively and b) that quality services are efficiently delivered according to applicable Departmental policies, procedures, regulations, settlement agreements; etc.

Maintains work production and flow by making determinations regarding emergency assignments; adjusting priorities in accordance with such determinations; etc. in order to meet established deadlines.

Responsible for performing the most complex, specialized or sensitive paralegal duties by researching and analyzing law sources; investigating case information; preparing various legal documents; reviewing and processing various legal documents; assisting staff in connection with various proceedings in order to ensure: a) the unit runs effectively and b) that quality services are efficiently delivered according to applicable Departmental policies, procedures, regulations, settlement agreements; etc.

Researches and analyzes legal and other sources related to best practices in policing by consulting and evaluating information obtained from various hard copy and computer-based sources (e.g., statutes, case law, court rules, applicable policies and regulations, etc.); gathering information from other law enforcement agencies; etc. in order to evaluate and prepare case summaries; assist in establishing policy recommendations; tracking and organizing legislative changes, settlement agreements terms, and legal mandates.

Prepares various legal documents (e.g., memoranda, briefs, investigation reports/requests, points and authorities, declarations, various letters and correspondence, etc.) by compiling information into an appropriate format (e.g., forms text, table, chart, presentation, etc.), and manually or electronically operating computer software programs (e.g., email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc.) in order to solicit, convey, record, or present the information to appropriate parties (e.g., attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, courts, monitors, other governmental agencies, etc.).

Reviews and processes various documents by checking contents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations; processing requests for information; obtaining necessary signatures; attaching required addenda; etc., in order to ensure the completed documents are received by or filed with the appropriate parties within applicable time limits.

Organizes a variety of documents (e.g., business/public records, reports, policy manuals, etc.) by summarizing, sorting, and indexing the materials according to a specified sequencing method (e.g., alphabetic, numerical, chronological, by subject matter, department-specific document coding systems, etc.); utilizing the office's electronic and/or hardcopy filing systems; etc. in order to ensure their accessibility, accuracy, safe-keeping, and relevance. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Option A: One year of experience at the level of Senior Paralegal* in a county** law office performing a wide variety of paralegal duties under the direction of an attorney. 
 
Option B: Two years' of experience at the level of Paralegal* in a county** law office performing a wide variety of paralegal duties under the direction of an attorney.

LICENSE
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.  

PHYSICAL CLASS
Physical Class II – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Continuing Education
Every two years, all paralegals shall be required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics and four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in either general law or in a specialized area of laws. All continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of California Business and Professions Code Section 6070. Certification of these continuing education requirements shall be made with the paralegal’s supervising attorney. The paralegal shall be responsible for keeping a record of the paralegal’s certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION
*For a full description of the class specification of Los Angeles County's Senior Paralegal (Item #9233) and Paralegal (Item #9232) please click the hyperlink on the job title OR go to Department of Human Resources website at http://hr.lacounty.gov/ and type in the job title or item number under "FIND JOB DESCRIPTIONS" search box. 

**County refers to any legal office or department within a county government that handles legal matters on behalf of the county.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
As part of this application process, applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire contains a pre-investigative questionnaire which will be utilized as part of the background investigation process to ensure applicants meet the standards set forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Applicants who fail the pre-investigative questionnaire will be disqualified and will have to wait twelve (12) months from the date of the disqualification in order to reapply.

EXAMINATION CONTENT
This examination will consist of TWO (2) parts:

PART I
A multiple choice and/or simulation assessment(s) weighted 25%, assessing Responsibility; Accepting Others; Showing Courtesy; Maintaining Good Working Relationships; Analyzing Information; Learning Quickly; Working to High Quality Standards; Complying with Rules and Regulations; Adapting to Change; Controlling Emotions; Working Energetically; Achievement; Willingness to Learn; and Management Potential

TRANSFER OF TEST COMPONENTS

• Applicants who have taken identical components recently for other exams may have their responses automatically transferred to this examination.
• This examination contains test components that may be used in the future for new examinations and your test responses may be transferred.

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART I IN ORDER TO PROCEED TO PART II. 

MULTIPLE CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION(S) ASSESSMENT IS NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.

PART II
A structured Interview weighted 75%, assessing Fact-Finding and Data Analysis; Ability to Effectively Supervise; Ability to Provide Assistance in Legal Preparation including Gathering Information on Relevant Rules, Regulation, and Court Decisions; Ability to Conduct Research; Compliance Knowledge; Ability to Support Investigations; and Oral Communication.

APPLICANTS MUST ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON EACH WEIGHTED PART OF THE EXAMINATION TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE REGISTER.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION
If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.  Please note, you will be provided with an initial deadline to submit documentation.  Failure to submit the required documentation by the deadline will delay your participation in the examination process and consideration for initial placement on the eligible register.  

TEST PREPARATION
Study guides and other test preparation resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While these guides will help you prepare for the test, we advise you to review all related materials that you deem necessary.

• An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at http://hr.lacounty.gov/.  Please click on "Find a Job" and then "Job Search Toolkit."  Test preparation information is located under the "Employment Test Assistance" section.
• Additional online practice tests are available at https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practice-tests.  

• use of narcotics, controlled substances, and/or prescription drugs without a prescription.

• Please note that ALL information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made.
• FALSIFICATIONS of any information may result in DISQUALIFICATION or RESCISSION OF APPOINTMENT.
• Utilizing VERBIAGE from Class Specification and Minimum Requirements serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and you may be DISQUALIFIED.
  
  CORRESPONDENCE AND UPDATES WILL BE SENT VIA E-MAIL  
• All notices including invitation letters, result letters and notices of non-acceptance will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add jbarco@lasd.org, yrodriguez@hr.lacounty.gov, info@governmentjobs.com, talentcentral@shl.com,  and donot-reply@amcatmail.com to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Please note, if you opt out of receiving emails, you can visit governmentjobs.com, log into your profile and check your inbox. The inbox retains a copy of most emails sent, for your records.

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

Your Responsibilities:

1. Completing Your Application:

a. Before submission of the application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is correct and complete on the application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

b. List each payroll title separately for each job. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you are a Los Angeles County employee and have held multiple positions, do NOT list all of your time with the County under your present payroll title.

c. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

d. To receive credit, include required documents (e.g., copy of your diploma, transcript, certificate, or license) as directed on the job posting. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. Refer to the job posting for specific deadlines for supporting documentation.

2. Requirements on Job Posting:

a. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time.

b. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment unless other age limits are stated on the job posting. The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for any individual age 40 or older.

c. Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40- hour week, unless specified otherwise. Prorated part-time experience may be acceptable.

3. Application Deadline: All job applications must be completed and submitted before the closing time on the last day of the filing period as indicated on the job posting unless other instructions are provided. Job postings with an open continuous filing period are subject to closure without prior notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early and not wait until the last allowable date and time as you will not be able to apply once the filing period has closed.

4. Change of Name or Address: To change personal information such as your name or address, log into your profile on www.governmentjobs.com and make the necessary change. This can be done at any time.

5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy:

a. It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. b. If you are an individual requesting reasonable accommodation(s) in the examination process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. The provision of accommodation(s) may be subject to verification, consistent with state and federal law. All accommodation-related information will remain confidential.

Disclaimer: The County of Los Angeles is not responsible or in any way liable for any computer hardware or software malfunction that may affect the employment application or the application selection process.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of this system and the Internet generally. This system and the information provided on it are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. No advice or information given by the County of Los Angeles or its respective employees shall modify the foregoing or create any warranty.

The County of Los Angeles expressly disclaims any warranty that the information on this system or on the Internet generally will be uninterruptible or error free or that any information, software or other material accessible from the system is free of viruses or other harmful components. You shall have no recourse against the County of Los Angeles as the system provider for any alleged or actual infringement of any proprietary rights a user may have in anything posted or retrieved on our system.

The County of Los Angeles shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this system or with the delay or inability to use it (or any linked sites), or for any information obtained through this system, or otherwise arising out of the use of this system, the Internet generally or on any other basis.

NOTE: Your application is submitted using Secure Encryption to ensure the privacy of all information you transmit over the Internet.

By accepting the Use Disclaimer set forth herein, you agree to all of the above terms and further agree to use this Online Job Employment Application System only for the submission of bona fide employment applications to the County of Los Angeles. Any other use of this Online Job Employment Application System, including without limitation any copying, downloading, translating, decompiling, or reverse engineering of the system, data, or related software, shall be a violation of the Use Disclaimer.

Test Preparation: Study Guides and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive system for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at https://hr.lacounty.gov/. Additional resources may be listed on the job posting. 

Veteran’s Credit: In all open competitive examinations, a veteran’s credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examinations will be added to the final passing grade of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under any of the following conditions: During a declared war; -or- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; -or- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010 the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; -or- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti qualifies for credit.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty.

This also applies to the spouse of such person who, while engaged in such service was wounded, disabled or crippled and thereby permanently prevented from engaging in any remunerative occupation, and also to the widow or widower of any such person who died or was killed while in such service. A DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference. Applicants must submit the documentation for each open competitive exam to qualify for veteran’s credit. More information available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/

Accreditation Information: Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies that are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information is available at: http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf and http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_AC E_Resource_Guide.pdf

Background Check: The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

Career Planning: Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at https://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov/#/.

Benefit Information: Depending on the position, the successful candidate will enroll in a contributory defined benefit pension plan if the candidate is a “new member” of the County’s defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013 (first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012) – unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. It should be noted that County employees do not pay into Social Security, but do pay the Medical Hospital Insurance Tax portion of Social Security at a rate of 1.45%. The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) has reciprocal agreements with several public retirement systems in California.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: All positions are open to qualified men and women. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons with disabilities who believe they need reasonable accommodation, or help in order to apply for a position, may contact the ADA/Personnel Services for Disabled Persons Coordinator. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. All positions are open to qualified men and women pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants. 

Los Angeles County Child Support Compliance Program: In an effort to improve compliance with court ordered child, family and spousal support obligations, certain employment and identification information (i.e., name, address, Social Security number and date of hire) is regularly reported to the State Directory of New Hires which may assist in locating persons who owe these obligations. Family Code Section 17512 permits under certain circumstances for additional employment and identifying information to be requested. Applicants will not be disqualified from employment based on this information.

Social Security Act of 2004: Section 419 (c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires State and local government employers to disclose the effect of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset Provision to employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security. The County of Los Angeles does not participate in the Social Security System. All newly hired County of Los Angeles employees must sign a statement (Form SSA-1945) prior to the start of employment indicating that they are aware of a possible reduction in their future Social Security benefit entitlement. For more information on Social Security and about each provision, you may visit the website www.socialsecurity.gov, or call toll free 1-800-772- 1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 or contact a local Social Security office.

Employment Eligibility Information: Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States. Immigration law provides that all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present original documents to the County, within three (3) business days of hiring, which show satisfactory proof of 1) identity and 2) U.S. employment eligibility.

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 commencing with Section 12900 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) the Regulations of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 4, Sections 7285.0 through 8504) and other applicable laws prohibit employment discrimination based on an applicant's protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, childbirth, and other characteristics.

COVID-19 VACCINATION: Some County workforce members may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Successful candidates for those positions/classifications may be required to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process. Candidates should not present proof of vaccination until instructed to do so by the hiring department.

Updated February 2024