Paralegal

Starting Compensation:

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• Type petitions, pre-trial conference letters, guilty plea letters and subpoenas; collaborates directly with attorneys assigned to the criminal trial unit to ensure clients' cases are resolved favorably and promptly. Assist in all aspects of office-wide scanning initiative by scanning all documents into electronic case management system (Legal Edge).

• The ideal candidate has a working knowledge of PA criminal court practice and motivated to be a part of a team delivering high-quality representation for indigent and incarcerated individuals.

• The duties will be primarily administrative and will also entail direct client communication to provide case updates as requested, not involving legal advice.

• Drafting basic criminal practice motions, organizing discovery, scheduling court dates, and monitoring clients' participation in diversionary programs is expected.   

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Collaborate directly with attorneys and supervision received directly from the Deputy Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.  Client Communication: 45%

              a.  Monitor and notify clients of upcoming court dates when needed to appear;

              b.  Update clients' contact information in case management system;

              c.  Duplicate discovery, as needed for clients;

              d.  Monitor clients' compliance with diversionary programs;

              e.  Schedule clients' meeting times with attorneys and court dates;  

2.  Attorney and Litigation Support: 55 %

              a.  Assist attorneys in saving and organizing discovery received; PacFile

              b.  Draft motions regarding bail, early release, and other basic matters as needed;             

              c.  Assist attorneys in court proceedings, as needed; Assisting in all aspects of of office-wide scanning in Legal Edge system;

              d.  Assist attorneys scheduling court dates with Judicial chambers and DA's office;

              e.  Close and scan files in case management system as needed;

              f.   Draft correspondence to clients;

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Help with the Main Receptionist Area if required; Maintain updated information regarding cases for local status conference and call of the trial list hearings;

• Assist clients with executing diversionary program and treatment court applications for submission;

• Maintain client contact about upcoming court dates or change in contact information;

• Provide discovery to incarcerated clients;

• Assist other support staff members on an as needed basis to maintain client file generation and flow. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School Diploma; Preferred Associates Degree/paralegal studies certification, or commensurate prior experience.

• Significant experience with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel.  

• Experience in legal field desirable.

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) capability desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to providing high level of service to clients charged with criminal offenses.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff attorneys, other support staff within the office, and other coordinate members of the criminal justice system.

• Advanced level of understanding of the local criminal justice system and high level of organizational skills with ability to multi-task and resolve issues effectively and efficiently.  Sharp analytical skills to identify and resolve operational issues and to provide advice to CPD. 

• Flexibility to alter agenda as issues arise. 

• None

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, but going to courthouse is expected.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.