Paralegal

APPLICATION PROCESS
 
Applications will be reviewed for the minimum qualifications of the position.   Those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to a written examination.  Applicants who receive a passing score on the written examination will be placed on an eligible list based on their score. As openings occur within the Court, applicants will be invited to a selection interview based on their place on the eligible list.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs paraprofessional legal support work including legal research, interviewing clients, preparing standard documents, assisting in case preparation and other technical assistance on matters before the court.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry and journey level paraprofessional classification that provides a varied range of technical legal assistance engaged in administrative, civil, family or criminal law.  This position works closely with the Self Help Center attorney, judicial officers, private attorneys, county agencies, court staff, and self-represented litigants and is fully competent to perform a wide range of complex support work for the Court. Although this is not a supervisory classification, an incumbent may direct the work or training of others in legal/Court procedures and techniques. Performs routine support.
 

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Develops legal tools and processes and obtains support for enactment of the same in order to promote efficient case management.

Explains legal procedure and process to self-represented litigants one-on-one and in group/workshop situations, on a variety of topics appropriate to the Self-Help Center.

Reviews court files to determine the status of cases; identifies correct court forms for use by self-represented litigants; assists litigants in preparation for hearings.

Assists supervising attorney in reviewing changes in legislation and case law; examines, reviews and analyzes local rules and forms for compliance with procedural requirements of statutes, codes, rules, and policies; conducts basic legal research, including locating statutes and relevant case citations; prepares reports, memoranda and performs special studies.

Assists supervising attorney with communication and collaboration of court services and other local resources; compiling and maintaining department statistical information; evaluating and analyzing department procedures and protocols preparing and maintaining department procedural manual; developing and conducting community outreach and educational programs.

Analyzes probate, guardianship and conservatorship petitions for compliance with statutes, ordinances and court order; recommends granting petitions and correcting deficiencies; assists probate judge with preparation of court offers; and contacts civil attorneys regarding changes to petitions. 

Under direction, may mentor, train, and/or supervise clerical and other paralegal staff, and work directly with judges and court administrators.

Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work, typically:

Have a familiarity with California statutes, codes, court processes and rules of court, and principles of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law. Possess extensive knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research and analysis.

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association; OR

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;

OR

• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California, or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state, for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; OR

• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California, or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state, for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

Knowledge of:

• Legal research techniques and standard legal reference materials.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques of interviewing, often when relations may be strained.
• Record keeping, report preparation and filing methods.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing, business letter writing and the operation of common office equipment.

Ability to:

• Perform basic legal research from varied sources.
• Interview individuals of various socioeconomic backgrounds in difficult situations.
• Prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organize and maintain accurate records and files.
• Organize work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work independently as well as closely with others.

Special Requirements:

A valid Class C California driver's license may be required.  The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.  Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. 

Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The Superior Court of Stanislaus County, California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of Stanislaus County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.