Paralegal

Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to provide specialized administrative and legal support to the Prosecutor’s Office.Essential Functions: 
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts preliminary case reviews: reviews case files and documentation; reviews rules of procedure and calendar deadlines; gathers and evaluates initial facts, documents, and evidence; runs and reviews criminal histories; enters information into department database; prepares case documentation as needed; forwards information to attorneys for prosecution; and maintains all related documentation.

Conducts discovery investigations: coordinates collection and review of files and documents; gathers, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data; drafts and/or reviews responses to discovery requests; redacts discovery as needed; prepares chronologies; and reviews hearing notices and publications.

Manages document production: obtains and reviews certain documents; conducts initial review for privileged/confidential information; confers with Prosecutor to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production, including reviewing, redacting, indexing, and organizing documents; and follows up on outstanding discovery requests.

Participates in trial preparation: prepares case files with key information and witness information; discusses courtroom etiquette with clients and witnesses; organizes, marks, and indexes trial exhibits; and assists attorney during trial as needed.

Drafts routine responses to motions and briefs: performs research and compiles necessary information; prepares exhibits; researches and confirms validity of case history; reviews, proofs, and submits documentation to appropriate personnel; and coordinates the service of briefs and court filings.

Provides assistance to victims of crimes: contacts victim by phone or letter; completes intake forms; determines and evaluates victim experiences and needs; makes referrals and recommendations regarding counseling, safety needs and concerns, housing, food and other needs; explains and provides information and assistance regarding criminal justice processes, what to expect in their particular cases, victim's rights, victim notification of custody status changes and case information, temporary protective orders, bond conditions, compensation and restitution programs, etc.; and remains in contact with the victim throughout their case and provides updates and support.

Manages assigned court-ordered programs: administers assigned programs; enrolls defendants in programs; provides information regarding program requirements and benefits; and serves as liaison to program vendors and sponsors.

Performs related duties in support of department operations: greets visitors; answers, screens, and forwards phone calls; orders office supplies; meets with vendors; controls and monitors dockets and court calendars; assists with budget planning; provides technical support to defense attorneys.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of court and legal rules, regulations, laws and ordinances: maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional certifications; attends conferences, seminars, meetings and training events; and keeps abreast of changes in court procedures and case law.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards, or retains, as appropriate, various forms, reports, correspondence, case files, court files, medical and psychological evaluations, victim impact statements, damage receipts, motions, pleadings, invoices, case sealings, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Communicates with Law Department Director, Prosecutors, other City employees, court officials and staff,  law enforcement, victims, defendants, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, receive/give advice and direction, or resolve problems.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools as necessary to complete essential functions: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment.

Additional Functions:
Performs other related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, or related field; three years of experience as a legal assistant or paralegal; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific Licenses or Certifications Required:  Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the City’s vehicle insurance coverage. Possession and maintenance of Paralegal certification and Registered or Certified Victim Advocate is preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.