Paralegal

Job Summary:

The purpose of this job is to provide administrative and legal support to the Legal Services office. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, overseeing the daily administrative activities of the department; performing personnel and financial duties; maintaining files, appointment calendars; receiving and disseminating calls, mail, messages and other correspondence. Serves as a liaison between the County Attorney and government departments, public officials, and the public. Serves as assistant to the County Attorney; assists staff, government employees, elected officials and the public by researching and providing information for various purposes and for inquiries into governmental and departmental activities. Performs legal research, and other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Assists the County Attorney and in the performance of their duties;
• Performs legal research; answers phone calls, files and retrieves documents, types correspondence; maintains calendar. 
• Compiles electronic and hard copy agendas for the County Attorney.
• Compiles and enters ordinances and resolutions into electronic agendas as needed.
• Enters all documents on the County Attorney’s agenda into the municode or other electronic agenda package computer software program on a regular basis. 
• Prepares all parchment paper copies of resolutions concerning board members, retirees, and deceased employees of the consolidated government; prepares digital and paper copies of resolutions concerning all other recipients; corresponds with Commissioners and citizens as needed. 
• Assists in coordinating local bills with the local legislative delegation to the General Assembly. 
• Performs legal research for attorneys as related to claims and lawsuits against the Hall County. 
• Investigates claims with appropriate departments and officials; files correspondence and litigation responses with proper courts as needed.
• Compiles and maintains a list of claims and lawsuits pending; prepares annual audit reports and amendments for Finance Director and external auditor at the direction of County Attorney. 
• Prepares and administers the annual budget for the County Attorney’s Office subject to the approval of the County Attorney. 
• Submits all financial transactions into the government accounting system, including all invoices for legal services, supplies, or other items, reviews accuracy of the same, and availability of funds. Tracks, submits, and approves all personnel actions and records. 
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Performs all related work as assigned and/or required.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

  Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, or other relevant field of study.  Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience working in a legal office with one year as office manager preferred.

   Licenses and Certifications:

• Notary Public

   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County Attorney/Legal Services Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Legal Assistant.
• Knowledge of office administration practices and procedures such as letter writing and the operation of standard computer equipment at the office location and remote sites.
• Knowledge of computer applications. 
• Knowledge of basic budgetary principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research principles. 
• Knowledge of the techniques of record keeping, report preparation, filing, and records management. 
• Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing information. 
• Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating administrative operations. 
• Skill in oral and written communication.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

• Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.
• Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.
• Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 
• Sensory Requirements:  Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.
• Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major respon­sibilities and requirements of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specifica­tion.