Senior Paralegal (Legal Assistant II) - Corrections

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Corrections Unit in the Civil Litigation and Employment Section of the Colorado Attorney General's Office is currently seeking an experienced Paralegal to join the team! The Corrections Unit represents the Colorado Department of Corrections and Division of Parole in a variety of cases, primarily involving complex civil rights litigation and associated constitutional claims in federal court. Our cases also involve claims brought under federal statutes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, habeas corpus petitions, and judicial review of agency rulings. Attorneys in the Unit also provide general legal advice to client agencies on a broad variety of topics including policy issues and subpoena or open records requests. 

WHO WE ARE
 
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General’s Office here.WHAT YOU WILL DO

In this role, you will support Corrections Unit attorneys by assisting with motions practice, discovery requests and responses, preparing witnesses for hearings and trials, attending and providing support for trials in both state and federal court, coding appellate briefs, and assisting with preparation for oral argument before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

As a Legal Assistant II, you will independently perform legal assistant tasks such as organizing case files; electronic filing in state and federal courts; preparing and responding to discovery requests; organizing documents; preparing exhibits and trial notebooks; coding and cite-checking briefs; drafting routine motions; scheduling witness interviews and depositions; preparing discovery responses and document disclosures; assisting with fact investigation, document review, and document management; supporting pretrial preparation and case management; and completing other assignments as needed.

You will also coordinate with client agencies and employees to gather and organize discovery materials, manage and catalog documents and document productions, maintain litigation timelines and deadlines, assist with electronic exhibit presentations, and help route settlement documents through the State Controller’s Office and the Office of Risk Management.

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions within the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section at the Department of Law.

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
 

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

Class Code & Classification Description:

H5E2XX

LEGAL ASSISTANT II

Minimum Qualifications and Substitutions: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated. 

Education/Licensure/ Certification/Experience: 
Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution 
One (1) year of paralegal experience

Substitutions
Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate

Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, candidates with the following experience and skills may be given preference.

Required Competencies:

Conditions of Employment: 

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.  
• This position offers flexible work arrangements. New employees are expected to work in office. Additional flexibility will be considered for employees after a successful onboarding and training period. Flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online application.

Required Application Materials: Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.    

1. A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position.  Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.
2. Current Resume: A detailed resume outlining your background, skills and experiences including previously held positions and academic background, is required at the time of application. This document will be used to assess candidates during the comparative analysis process.
3. Cover Letter: A detailed cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and what skills you possess that would make you a strong applicant for this position. This document will be used to assess candidates during the comparative analysis process. 

Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.

Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Vanessa Rhea at [email protected]. 

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse workforce adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Assessment Information:

Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.  

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement. 
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned. 
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current experience is preferred. 
  
  

It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed, and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

WHY WORK FOR US
 
We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.
 
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more!  If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!
 
We Have Strong Core Values
 Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.
 
We are Committed to Developing our Employees
 We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our employees grow and succeed.
 
We Offer Excellent Benefits

In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical, dental and vision health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• Free access to an on-site fitness center
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
 
ADAAA Requests
The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at [email protected].