Legal Assistant - Non-Merit

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Office of Law.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.  

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.  

General Overview
Under general supervision of the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney, Chief, Office Manager or designee(s), performs responsible and complex paralegal tasks.

Essential Job Functions
Researches and analyzes law sources, such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and County Code, and prepares legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, contracts, deeds and other agreements, and legislation for review, approval, and use by an attorney.
 
Investigates facts and law of case to determine causes of action and to prepare case accordingly. Files pleadings with court clerk.
 
Prepares affidavits of documents and maintains document file. Prepares correspondence and answers telephone inquiries. Prepares and monitors dockets. Ensures service of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action.
 
Assists with administration of compliance with settlements and court decisions, such as setting up payment schedules for delinquent taxpayers.
 
Reviews title documents, procurement affidavits, good standing certificates, and other documents pertaining to real estate acquisitions and dispositions, procurements and County loans and grants.
 
Examples of Other Duties 
May serve as administrative aide to an attorney by maintaining schedules, answering telephones, and preparing documents from draft or dictation. May direct and coordinate activities of clerical employees. May prepare and monitor office accounts and prepare financial documents. Performs other related duties as required.
 
(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate in arts degree in paralegal, legal assistant, or closely related field
plus
one year's experience as a paralegal or legal assistant. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required education.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Entry Level) 
Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, methods, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of the structure and function of U.S. judicial and legislative systems. Thorough knowledge of modern legal office practices. Knowledge of legal principles of litigation, real estate, finance, taxation, and/or state and local government administration.
 
Skill in reading and interpreting laws, ordinances, and regulations. Skill in drafting a variety of legal documents. Organizational skills. Interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
 
Ability to perform legal research and review, citing appropriate legal references and precedents. Ability to learn the organization, functions, and operations of pertinent Federal, State, and County agencies. Ability to use modern office equipment. Ability to obtain legal information by means of interviews and/or field investigations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all contacts. Supervisory or administrative ability.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Full Performance)
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances, and regulations. Knowledge of the organization, functions, and operations of pertinent Federal, State, and County agencies.
 
Skill in performing legal review and research, citing appropriate legal references and precedents. Skill in drafting and preparing a variety of legal documents according to applicable laws and legal procedures. Skill in obtaining legal information by means of interviews and/or field investigations. Skill in using applicable office equipment necessary to perform duties.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Legal Assistant- Office of Law
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions.  Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.