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Paralegal

Inland Empire Utilities Agency See More Job Openings by This Employer

Full Time
$86,373.04 - $105,239.16/year

Chino, CA

November 18, 2024 Paralegal

Job Description

THE POSITION:

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position is pending Board approval on 12/18/2024, with an effective date of 12/22/2024

Are you ready to build a meaningful career supporting the Agency’s General Counsel? The Agency is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual to join our team as a Paralegal. In this critical role, you’ll support the General Counsel by conducting in-depth legal research, preparing and processing essential legal documents, and handling administrative tasks with precision.

To thrive in this position, you’ll need excellent verbal and written communication skills, a sharp eye for detail, and a dedication to ensuring accuracy. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in legal processes and a commitment to upholding high standards in document preparation and management.

This role could be an ideal match for you if:

You excel at legal research and have experience preparing and proofreading legal documents.
You are highly organized and have a knack for creating efficiencies and streamlining processes.
You have great written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working with other departments to accomplish tasks.
You are able to organize and maintain confidential information.
You value contributing to and maintaining an open work environment committed to teamwork, mutual trust, and respect.

Additionally, you should be adept at putting systems into place that create efficiencies and improve overall workflow.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) serves approximately 935,000 residents in western San Bernardino County and is proud of our reputation of promoting greater water supply reliability through significant contributions to a diverse regional water supply portfolio, including water from stormwater capture, recycling and reuse, and imported water supplies. The Agency continues to be fully committed to ensuring long-term success for the region by leading the way in water resource management, environmental sustainability, and providing essential sanitation services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner while safeguarding public health and promoting economic development.

Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:

A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
A pension through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
Competitive vacation, floating holiday, and sick time in addition to 12 agency paid holidays
Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
Basic life insurance coverage provided
Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000

This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024. Applicants who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

There is (1) vacancy in the Agency Management Division.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range: UN 176

FLSA: Exempt

Probationary Period: 12 Months

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of complex paralegal duties, organizational support functions, and prepares legal documents in support of the Agency’s General Counsel; conducts extensive legal research and writing; performs analysis of statutes and, case law, and other legal authorities; prepares, composes, proofreads, and edits legal documents and declarations; assists in the preparation of cases for trial and hearing matters; organizes and maintains legal documents; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

A Paralegal performs professional journey-level assignments in support of the Agency’s legal functions. Responsibilities include composing complex legal documents, researching complex issues, and disseminating verbally or in writing pertinent research findings. Assigned work requires the use of a significant degree of independence and application of professional experience and judgment in selecting appropriate work methods, understanding and applying detailed information and procedures and meeting high standards of accuracy in handling routine and non-routine confidential information and documents. The work involves utilizing a wide range of available resources and coordinating with Agency staff and staff from other governmental bodies with significant accountability and independent decision-making responsibilities.

Employees in this class typically report to the General Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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 this class.

Performs complex paralegal, administrative, and confidential duties for the General Counsel’s Office.

Acts as liaison in coordinating matters between the General Counsel’s Office and departments; provides a high level of customer service to both external and internal customers; responds to requests for information from Agency staff, other organizations, and the public, requiring the use of judgment and the interpretation of complex policies, rules, procedures, and ordinances; handles issues that may require sensitivity and use of tact and independent judgment; assists in reviewing information referred to the General Counsel; gathers information and analysis to assist the General Counsel in determining appropriate action; tracks action items and prioritizes requests; follows up on various assignments to ensure that needed action is taken; researches requests or complaints and refers matters to the General Counsel or appropriate Agency staff and/or takes or recommends action to resolve issues.

Performs advanced legal research and analysis of varying legal issues involving the Agency under the supervision of the General Counsel accessing a variety of sources including but not limited to, statutes, ordinances, court decisions, legal documents and articles.

Drafts complex legal documents and prepares contracts, memos, reports, correspondence, ordinances, resolutions, opinions, briefs, and pleadings, including but not limited to, discovery and motion findings, and legislative advocacy letters for the General Counsel review. Reviews legal documents, memos, letters, and forms for proper format, completeness, including proofreading, cite checking, and Shepardizing cases in conformance to specific requirements set forth in applicable legal codes. Processes filing of litigation and other legal forms; compiles exhibits and proofs of service.

Coordinates General Counsel review for record requests including but not limited to, California Public Records Act, Subpoena and Discovery responses, and completes searches for, and initial review of, content. Prepares Discovery requests and responses; drafts motions, memoranda of points and authorities, complaints and answers; cross-claims, affidavits and declarations.

Maintains and coordinates the calendar of the General Counsel; makes meeting arrangements, including litigation and administrative hearing events; takes and transcribes meeting minutes; prepares and distributes follow-up letters and documentation; assists with setup and cleanup for meetings and events; coordinates with vendors and Agency staff for meeting logistics.

Enters, edits, updates, and retrieves data from a variety of narrative reports or spreadsheets and prepares periodic and special reports following established formats and timelines; may create new spreadsheet or narrative reports on a project basis.

Organizes and maintains various administrative, confidential, reference and follow-up files; summarize, organize and index prior opinions, testimony, depositions, discovery responses and other documentary material, trial documents, prepare exhibits and assist the General Counsel at trial by keeping track of exhibits, testimony, and documents.

Perform preliminary analysis of legislative bills and research legislative histories.

Maintains a variety of standard office and specialized records and files; creates and maintains spreadsheets and databases to track KPIs and division documentation; calculates budget usage and fund percentages; prepares budget variance analysis, goals and objectives reports and spending forecasts for review.

Attends to a variety of office administrative details; keeps informed of departmental activities, transmitting information, attending meetings, and serving on various task forces and committees.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited two-year college with an Associate’s degree with coursework in law, criminal justice, legal administration, paralegal studies, or a related field and at least four years of progressively responsible office and administrative support experience, at least three of which in a law office setting within a public or private sector law firm performing law-related paralegal duties under the supervision of an attorney who was an active member of the State Bar of California.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450 (c).

Ability to obtain and maintain continuing legal education as mandated by the California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450 (d).

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles of legal ethics, including but not limited to the attorney-client relationship and communications, work product, privilege, and confidentiality.

Organization and function of public agencies, including the role of an elected Board of Directors and appointed boards, commissions, and committees.

Basic legal concepts, principles, terminology, and procedures.

General legal resources, reference materials, research methods, and techniques.

Standard legal office practice and procedures, including legal filing systems and standard office equipment.

Legal document writing, formatting, correspondence and processing.

Computer applications related to the work assigned, including website applications for legal research, and word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.

Provisions of the Brown Act and the Public Records Act.

Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.

Local government functions and legal responsibilities.

Federal, and state laws, regulations, local ordinances, and court decisions applicable to areas of assignment.

Agency ordinances, codes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding areas of assignment.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.

Internal control and audit principles and practices.

Principles and practices of standard business software and specialized database and spreadsheet applications.

Principles and practices of sound business communication.

Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

ABILITY TO:

Perform legal research, interview witnesses and analyze legal issues.

Understand statutes, court decisions, ordinances, resolutions, and legal documents.

Draft legal documents including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, contracts, leases, resolutions and ordinances.

Interpret applicable municipal, state and federal codes, laws and statutes.

Author persuasive comment letters, speaking points and other written materials.

Represent the department and Agency effectively in dealings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

Effectively and professionally work with a diverse group of staff and community members.

Exercise sound independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Operate a computer and standard business software and other standard office equipment.

Prepare clear, concise, and accurate analytical reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

Develop and present presentations, proposals, and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively.

Make clear and effective oral presentations to groups and individuals.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Be present onsite at Agency locations during normal business hours.

Be physically present at non-Agency locations including, but not limited to, member agencies, conferences, and other work-related events that occur offsite.

SELECTION PROCESS:

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1640 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".

Salary

$86,373.04 - $105,239.16/year

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