Paralegal

DESCRIPTION:

The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility located in downtown St. Paul seeks a full-time Paralegal.  The position provides support to the office's attorneys in investigation, litigation, and other tasks and requires strong writing and analytical skills. 

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

• Investigation:  Determine and obtain necessary information and/or documents for the evaluation and/or prosecution of a complaint; interview and assess the credibility of complainants and witnesses; attend meetings with respondents and others; prepare and maintain necessary file memoranda, correspondence, and chronologies; and assist the office's attorneys in determining the disposition of complaints.

• Litigation:  Assist in identifying necessary witnesses and exhibits; prepare exhibit lists and assemble exhibit notebooks; draft affidavits and declarations of witnesses; attend pre-hearing meetings and conferences; arrange for service of process; draft discovery requests and responses; and attend and assist at trials and other hearings.

• Drafting:  Analyze facts and circumstances; make preliminary determinations of rule violations and prepare drafts of necessary charging, dispositional, and other documents for attorney’s review.

• Administrative:  Respond to telephone inquiries regarding the disciplinary process, lawyer discipline histories, and individual complaints and cases; assist in the administration of probation files; and assist in other non-case related departments. 

• Bank Account Auditing:  Review and inventory lawyer trust account books and records to determine compliance; audit and analyze trust and business account activity; prepare memoranda summarizing audit findings; make recommendations regarding additional information to obtain.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.  For the education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, court administration, or related field.

• Certification as a paralegal in lieu of an associate degree.

• 2-3 years of experience performing paralegal or technical legal work. 

• Strong writing and analytical skills.

• Complete working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, court administration, or related field.

• Paralegal experience supporting litigation. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of rules of court, opinions, related case law, statutes, legal guidelines, and policies and procedures relevant to area of assignment. 

• Knowledge of methods and procedures involved in drafting, composing, processing, and reviewing a variety of legal documents. 

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. 

• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and multiple software applications. 

• Ability to review information and make determinations of facts and credibility. 

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes. 

• Ability to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity and apply knowledge of specific laws, statutes, and rules to individual cases. 

• Ability to understand and follow instructions. 

• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.

• Ability to learn professional responsibility rules, procedural rules and court and office policies. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people. 

• Ability to learn computerized programs. 

• Ability to work independently and multi-task, strong organizational skills, and an ability to prioritize. 

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions with minimal direction. 

SALARY RANGE:

The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $29.42 - $37.55 per hour ($61,429 - $78,404 annually). The full salary range for this position is $29.42 - $45.67 per hour ($61,429 - $95,359 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Position Logistics: 

This position will be completed in a hybrid environment, where some of the work is performed in the office and other work can be performed remotely.  Access to a reliable internet connection is required.

TO APPLY: 

This position is open until filled. Please complete and submit your online application with a cover letter and resume attached. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.