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Stanislaus County

Paralegal III

Stanislaus County See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Part Time
  • $65,852.80 - $80,038.40/year
  • Modesto, CA
June 24, 2025 Paralegal

Job Description

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The District Attorney's Office is seeking an extra-help/part-time individual to perform paraprofessional technical legal work and assist attorneys in processing routine case documentation. An incumbent is expected to apply knowledge and abilities in legal research, legal documentation preparation, and provide assistance in case preparation.

To learn more about the District Attorney's Office, click here.


The Paralegal classification is assigned to various County legal departments. Paralegal I is the entry-level classification in this series. Incumbents receive training, close supervision, review and direction in the completion of assignments. Paralegal II is the intermediate level in this series and incumbents are expected to work independently and complete more difficult assignments with minimum supervision. Paralegal III is the lead classification in this series, which works independently and performs the most difficult and complex assignments and is responsible for assigning, reviewing, and coordinating the work of other paralegal staff. Incumbents in levels II and III may also be assigned to a specialized unit and perform related duties and/or special projects as assigned.


Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. 
 
The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at  http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

Typical Tasks
  • Perform simple legal research, including locating statutes and cases utilizing various legal research platforms; 
  • Review reports, which may include law enforcement reports; 
  • Draft motions, pleadings and points and authorities under direct supervision; 
  • Review basic legal documents and forms for completeness and conformance; 
  • Prepare basic legal forms, correspondence and reports; 
  • File and retrieve a variety of documents with/from various courts; 
  • Respond to simple requests for information and/or inquiries from interested parties;
  • Obtain, review and summarize police reports, depositions, interrogatories and other relevant information; 
  • Update case and computer files; 
  • Special projects as assigned; and 
  • Maintain law libraries, update legal references and maintain inventory of materials.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE
  • Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
  • Legal document preparation techniques;
  • Advanced research techniques and tools;
  • Paralegal methods and practices;
  • Civil procedures and rules of court;
  • Litigation processes; and
  • General accounting principles and practices.

SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • Assist in negotiating settlements;
  • Prioritize and assign work;
  • Summarize data and information;
  • Draft and analyze complex legal documents;
  • Perform advanced legal research;
  • Independently prepare clear and concise reports;
  • Verbal and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work;
  • Calculate financial information;
  • Understand, interpret and apply advanced principles and practices; Advanced editing and drafting skills; 
  • Advanced editing and drafting skills; and
  • Work independently.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
  • One (1) year experience equivalent to a Paralegal II in Stanislaus County; AND
  • Certificate of completion from a recognized paralegal program or Associate's degree in paralegal studies; OR
  • Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from a recognized law school.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-5565 to make other arrangements before 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "duties" section of the online application.
  • Currently working as a contract employee with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. 
 
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 
Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

 EXAMINATION PROCESS – Do not add or delete from this section unless posting for a safety department. 
 Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.
  • Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. 
  • Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. 
  • Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. 
  • Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification.  Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
 Application Deadline: JUNE 30, 2025
 Oral Examination: To be determined
 
 Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation. 
 
Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.


Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org
 
Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Salary
  • $65,852.80 - $80,038.40/year


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