Paralegal

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision, guidance and review of an attorney, incumbents engage in substantive legal tasks such as preparation and submission of legal memoranda and other documents, screening of criminal cases, organizing files, assisting attorneys in the presentation of evidence, researching information and communicating with law enforcement and court personnel.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associates degree in Paralegal Studies from an accredited institution or Certificate of paralegal studies plus 18 months of paralegal experience.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must successfully pass an initial criminal background check as well as every two years thereafter and continuously meet the requirements of the Bureau of Criminal Information (BCI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.

Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

 

• Assist attorneys, investigators, law enforcement, and claim agents with preparation for criminal/civil trial prosecution/litigation.

• Case review, research factual and/or legal issues; analyze the elements of the crime and/or claims of the complaint, cross reference with criminal and/or civil statutes.

• Follow up investigation, obtain witness statements and/or conduct initial witness interviews, assess interviews, prepare interrogatories, answers and depositions, analyze and summarize depositions.

• Review police reports and appropriate criminal statutes for the preparation of charges. Create probable cause statements and criminal charging documents. Enter charges and information into District Attorney’s Case Management Database. Prepare case declinations for police agencies and provide case follow-up.• Review and prepare case by obtaining, compiling and organizing documentation with other evidence to distribute initial/supplemental discovery in a chronology of facts, assist with e-discovery, and/or preparation for lawsuits.

• Prepare, draft, file or e-file correspondence, legal pleadings, investigative subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, complaints, motions, supporting memoranda, notices, writs, warrants, contracts, findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders, jury instructions, minutes, appeals, etc.

• Organize and index case files manually and/or electronically for prosecution of criminal charges and/or civil litigation. Prepare and maintain trial/case exhibits, pleadings binder and/or trial notebook and assist attorneys in court proceedings as necessary.

• Research issues, perform computer searches of public and private records as directed, responds to inquiries and documents completion of tasks.

• Prepare and draft ordinances, policies, regulations and legislation.

• Interact with court personnel, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, law enforcement, other agencies and the public.

• Demonstrate knowledge of court proceedings, legal terminology, and computer systems.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of:• General secretarial/clerical and office procedures and techniques, including advanced typing skills• Legal terminology and ethics• Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level• Case management in a digital environment• Communication competency via verbal, written and electronic modes• Business English, Legal writing, proofreading and editing techniques• Salt Lake County rules, regulations, policies & procedures• Criminal justice and civil court system• Civil and criminal court procedures• E-filing• County subdivision approval process• County environmental rules and regulations• Word processing systems and equipment• Legal research• Filing systems and procedures for various courts, District Attorney & outside agencies• Document control• County operations and organization

 

Skills and Abilities to:

• Type accurately at 40+ words-per-minute• Perform legal tasks using independent judgment• Work with computer software related to job specific duties, i.e. Word, Adobe, Case Management Database• E-file with administrative agencies and courts• Transcribe dictation, hearings, meetings, etc.• Use initiative and ability to act independently• Take minutes accurately and prepare minutes for approval by board/agency• Work under pressure and meet deadlines• Interact with and assist the public in a prompt, courteous and professional manner