Paralegal

The purpose of this classification is to assist attorneys by managing case files, conducting legal research, drafting motions, responses, and various other pleadings, while also providing administrative support.

Works with the attorney(s) preparing legal cases; duties in this position include the following: conducts preliminary investigations; reviews videos; reviews complaints and other pleadings; conducts research to determine appropriate jurisdiction; reviews rules of procedure and calendar deadlines; gathers and evaluates initial facts and documents; interviews clients; prepares and files court documents; maintains all related documentation.

Coordinates and maintains calendars; schedules appointments, conferences, and client/witness preparation sessions; and ensures that materials are available for conferences.

Conducts discovery investigations; assists in client/witness interviews; drafts and/or reviews interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents; identifies and drafts non-party discovery; coordinates collection and review of client files and documents; gathers, organizes, summarizes and analyzes data; drafts and/or reviews responses to discovery requests; prepares chronologies; reviews hearing notices and publications; receives summarizes, indexes and maintains related documentation.

Manages document production; organizes and manages case files, summarizing and indexing documents; obtains and reviews all documents in client's possession; conducts initial review for privilege; confers with attorney to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production and litigation support, including reviewing, indexing, organizing, and analyzing documents; follows up on outstanding discovery requests.

Coordinates depositions; schedules depositions with client and opposing counsel; drafts, reviews, and serves notices and subpoenas; reviews and assembles documents; assists with witness preparation; retains court reporter; indexes and summarizes depositions; manages execution of errata sheets and obtains certified copies of transcripts.

Drafts and responds to formal motions and briefs; performs research and compiles necessary information for motions and briefs; prepares exhibits; researches and confirms validity of case history; reviews, proofs, and submits documentation to appropriate personnel; coordinates the service of briefs and court filings; generates, prints, copies, and distributes legal documents and reports; prepares, gathers, reviews, compiles and processes a variety of documents and information related to pending lawsuits; proofs and finalize documents for filing and service.

Summary Judgment preparation; draft motion; brief in support, declarations, and statement of material facts; coordinates execution of declarations, organizes, marks and indexes summary judgment exhibits; finalizes formatting and files same with Court.

Maintains documents, forms, files checklists and knowledge of current court rule, maintains litigation docket; maintains calendar of significant dates for case events, such as responsive pleadings and motions, court appearances, etc.; designs and implements case litigation systems as needed.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including pleading files, legal case decisions, client files and documents, depositions and exhibits; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including motions, briefs and case documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates or uses various equipment and supplies to complete work assignments; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with assigned attorneys, supervisors, other employees, clients, court personnel, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in legal studies or related field; supplemented by two years of experience providing administrative support in a legal setting; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

• Proficient in legal drafting,
•  Filing with various courts,
•  Legal research, 
• Microsoft Office - word, Excel,

Must obtain Notary Public within one year of hiring and maintain for the remainder of employment. Paralegal certification is preferred. 

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.