Paralegal (open to current Clallam County employees ONLY)

Under the general supervision of the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, the Paralegal provides independent, substantive legal and litigation support to attorneys in civil and criminal matters. Responsibilities include case development and preparation, discovery management, legal and factual research, analysis of statutes and case law, witness coordination, exhibit and document preparation, public records requests, and case file and calendar management.

• Management of discovery in litigation, including use of computer litigation software, document review and organization, summarizing discovery, redacting documents, and maintaining records in an organized and accessible manner.
• Typing and/or keyboarding a variety of materials in final form from written matter utilizing computer; ensures accuracy of information including correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, legal terminology and capitalization of typed material.
• Responds to formal questions or inquiries from both parties involved in a lawsuit in preparation for trial or contested hearings.
• Contacts witnesses to gain necessary information for trial; conducts formal interviews of witnesses; schedules witnesses for appearance at trials. Composes and prepares in draft form legal documents, such as pleadings, affidavits and contracts, for court filing and issuance to both parties.
• Conducts research of records, data, and other materials from government and private sources.
• Perform legal research of statutes and cases; gather facts, analyze data and review cases; research changes in state laws and local ordinances.
• Review interrogatories, compile and prepare responses to lawsuit discovery requests; assist in the evaluation of and response to claims against the County.
• Assists attorneys in preparing exhibits, diagrams, videotapes, photographs, surveys and other related materials for court presentation. Uses computer programs to prepare exhibits. Assists during trial.
• Assists attorneys in identifying and preparing the record for land use related appeals to administrative appeal boards.
• Prepares and maintains computerized and paper files and records for civil litigation. Manually retrieves paper and electronic records.
• Works with attorneys, court agencies, law enforcement agencies and the public regarding case preparation and liaison with county agencies.
• May conduct field work to survey physical sites involved in litigation, code enforcement, or other disputes, and verify data and other information.
• Maintains tracking system for case management and calendar for case scheduling.
• Provides assistance, and guidance to other staff assigned to the work unit.
• Must be able to travel to assigned work locations.
• Perform the physical requirements of the position; work within the established working conditions of the position.
• Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned worksite. Work may occasionally include evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime
• Serve as liaison with other agencies, jurisdictions and departmental clients.
• Assist with answering, tracking and processing requests under the Public Records Act; ensure timely processing in compliance with statutory requirements; define/redefine scope of request as required and within the spirit of the law; research necessary documentation, files and reports; prepare documents in response to request redacting information as required from source material.
• Interact with and communicate with County Department heads and Elected Officials, and provide and maintain excellent customer service to all county departmental clients.
• Review, analyze and respond, as directed, to departmental requests for legal advice, analysis and document and/or contract review.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to the Rules of Professional Conduct while handling sensitive legal information and materials.
• Communication: Employ effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills to convey legal information clearly and professionally with attorneys, staff, other agencies, witnesses, and members of the public.
• Multi-tasking: Ability to manage multiple case assignments simultaneously, organize large volumes of documents and evidence, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to review and analyze records, legal documents, statutes, and case law; identify relevant facts and issues; and summarize information to support attorneys in case preparation.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain a high level of accuracy in reviewing legal documents, citations, filings, discovery materials, and exhibits to ensure completeness and compliance with court requirements.
• Collaboration and Professional Support: Work effectively with attorneys and legal staff to support litigation preparation, discovery management, witness coordination, and case organization.
• Learning: Maintain current knowledge of legal procedures, court rules, research tools, and office technology; demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.

Qualifying candidates must meet one of the following:

Education/Training Path:

• Paralegal Certificate or degree, plus two years of progressively responsible paralegal or legal-support experience involving litigation support.

• In lieu of paralegal certificate or degree, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal support experience, including substantial experience performing paralegal-level duties involving litigation support, legal research, discovery, case analysis and preparation, or comparable substantive legal work.