Paralegal

The Paralegal will assist attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support services including document preparation and review; research, investigations, fact checking, and trial preparation. Performs legal administrative and secretarial work. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Reviews all law enforcement reports, and reviews/analyzes all forensic reports including DNA, chemist, fingerprints, and files appropriate legal documents;
2. Researches case law for the attorney, and assists with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings;
3. Ensures that all cases are assigned trial and hearing dates;
4. Ensures that all rescheduled cases comply with the statutory-time requirement;
5. Coordinates and assigns the States Attorney's files with the appropriate case number;
6. Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, pleadings, and other items;
7. Tracks the movement of each case through all court actions;
8. Drafts legal documents including orders, routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and other legal documents and obtains relevant signatures;
9. Files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures;
10. Meets with attorneys and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects;
11. May interview and meet with witnesses and victims;
12. May supervise and advise other Legal Assistants and part-time Student Interns;
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to effectively communicate with other staff, attorneys, victims, witnesses, and the public in a courteous manner;
3. Ability to make decisions in accordance with established laws, and Federal Guidelines, and to apply departmental policies to daily work problems;
4. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions;
5. Ability to work independently on tasks and maintain records;
6. Ability to plan, organize, and execute continuing assignments accurately, with minimum instruction or review;
7. Effective business English, grammar, legal terminology, and math skills;
8. Familiarity with electronic case management systems a plus.

1. Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or related field; Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
2. Paralegal certificate.
3. Some related experience or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:  

Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort. 

Work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations, which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., aggressive human behavior, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.