Paralegal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 
 The purpose of this position is to provide paralegal-level support to the attorneys in the County Attorney's Office.
  
 NOTE:  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement.  Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.

All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.  

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES
 Provides general and paralegal office support for the attorneys. Drafts, types and finalizes for attorney review and signature both simple and complex court documents, as well as general office documents, in accordance with established office policies and procedures, as well as the applicable court rules; produces a high-quality, finished product in a timely manner; files pleadings in a variety of courts; provides litigation support to the attorneys, including creating and maintaining electronic case files, monitoring receipt of court documents and calendaring response due dates, gathering materials, creating trial notebooks, and assisting in hearings and/or trials as requested; schedules office appointments, depositions, and court hearings.
  
 Performs research, analysis, and writing.  Researches and analyzes a variety of issues as requested by the attorneys and provides the results both orally and in writing in an organized and concise manner; maintains a working knowledge of print and electronic research methods, including Westlaw; researches the County's interest in and prepares the appropriate responsive pleading to complaints for foreclosure and quiet title for review by an attorney; maintains the required number of continuing legal education hours and reports same to the Florida Bar in support of an active Florida Registered Paralegal designation.
 
 Completes special projects.  Maintains the print law library; replaces outdated library materials with new items as received, including pocket parts, supplements, and new books; notifies attorneys and paralegals when a new or updated library item is received; provides the Legal Administrator with packing slips from new or updated library materials, as they are received; tracks the location of library materials; maintains a list of active print library materials; creates, tracks and maintains agenda item files as needed, completes other special projects as requested.
  
 Interacts with county staff and the public. Interacts with individuals in a pleasant and professional manner; answers incoming telephone calls and greets visitors to the office; knows when to respond to inquiries made by County staff and the public and when to forward inquiries to an attorney for response; responds to inquiries in a timely manner.
 
 Effectively and efficiently operates personal computer, other office machines and software. Maintains a working knowledge of the assigned personal computer and other office equipment, as well as all software assigned to this position, and informs supervisor when training is needed.
  
 OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES
 None.
  
 DIFFICULTY
 Work involves research and analysis of case law, statutes and other legal texts and the ability to translate the relevant research findings into legal documents for attorney review and signature.  This position works independently in preparing these documents for attorney review.   Most assignments are made with deadlines.  This position can expect frequent shifts in attention and responsibilities to occur. Work consists of complex, varied, frequently non-standardized tasks, requiring the application of intermediate to advanced skills in the areas of legal research and deductive reasoning.
 
 RESPONSIBILITY:
 Supervision Received
 The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. Supervisor and employee, in consultation, develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The employee plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most of the conflicts, coordinates work with others and interprets policy on own initiative. The employee keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters or far-reaching implications. Employee must be highly autonomous.
 
 Supervision of Others
 Non-supervisory.
 
 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT
 Contacts with all types of people inside and outside the organization for the purpose of providing, exchanging and receiving information.
 
 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED
 Personal computer, word processing, spreadsheet and specialized software (Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Westlaw, and Legal Files Document Management) are among the tools and equipment used.
 
 WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 Most work is performed indoors seated at a desk. Physical effort such as walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, stooping, climbing and reaching.
 
 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
 Ability to conduct research and produce a finished work product that requires recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts; working knowledge of the legal system and filing procedures with a variety of Court Clerks' offices; ability to know when legal advice or opinion is being requested so that it is not inadvertently provided by this non-lawyer position; knowledge of electronic document management systems in general; ability to work independently, organize and prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines; ability to follow through on assignments without direct and constant supervision and with attention to detail; ability to deal effectively and courteously with County staff and the public; extensive knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations; ability to type proficiently and accurately.
  
 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 Requires an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience as a paralegal.
    
 NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 Florida Registered Paralegal Certification is required.
  
 SELECTION GUIDELINES
 Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.
  
 FLSA STATUS:   Non-Exempt.  Work involves primarily gathering information for attorneys.  
  
 Effective Date: October 1, 1997; May 5, 2000; December 16, 2005; October 28, 2011; November 26, 2014; June 23, 2021, July 15, 2025.