Paralegal I

Performs duties of a legal assistant nature and participates directly in the work of the Paralegal Director and Attorneys supported. Assists in the Special Master Program and secures details of specialized information, coordinates office work and provides information regarding the services and operation of the department.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.   Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Aids the Special Master Clerk by entering, compiling, scanning and preparing notices, affidavits, subpoenas and other records necessary for hearing.  Works closely with those departments that participate in the Special Master program. 
• Prepares and composes civil restitution lien orders (CRLO’s), letters, memoranda, notices of hearing, summons, subpoenas, legal requests, and agenda items.
• Reviews and prepares legal documents such as pleadings and liens for review by the Paralegal Director.  Researches information using public and private databases to aid in the preparation of these documents and upon the request of the Paralegal Director and Attorneys. 
• Aids in the processing of legal requests by proofreading, editing, and serving as the contact between Attorneys and client departments.  Enters, updates, scans and closes records in the database. 
• Prepares monthly litigation report. 
• Maintains physical copies of the Code of Ordinances within the County Attorney’s Office, the Board Chambers and for the Special Master, when periodic supplements are issued. 
• Uses word processing software and databases to prepare letters, forms, reports, requisitions, and related paperwork containing legal terminology.
• Sets up and maintains specialized office files including the daily mail log. Files reports and related technical information in the prescribed manner.   Assembles information for others' use.
• Responsible for answering and appropriately routing phone calls and visitors to the office by asking the right questions and taking accurate messages. 
• Regular attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; Florida Registered Paralegal status or Legal Assistant/Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience involving legal secretarial duties including the operation of a personal computer preferably with emphasis in local government law.

• Notary Public commission desired.  
• Florida Registered Paralegals must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every three (3) years pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by current insurance carrier.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
  • sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and hear
  • handle repetitive motion
  • access file cabinets for filing and retrieval of data
• Work is sedentary and exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects is required.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment working closely with others in occasional noisy office conditions, including computer and printer noises. 

• Uses pc computer monitor, keyboard and printer, copy machine.