Paralegal

The City of Aiken is accepting applications for a Paralegal to join our team! 

This position applies knowledge of law and legal procedures in providing assistance to the Solicitor/Staff Attorney. 

• Prepares, maintains, and organizes all legal files and court materials
• Maintains a database of all pending jury trial cases, all newly requested jury trial cases, and all disposed cases
• Processes all paperwork and discovery received from the Clerk of Court's office and ADPS Officers; scans these documents into Laserfiche; redacts discovery and prepares accompanying letters; uploads all the discovery (including video) to Microsoft Teams or evidence.com; sends discovery to the requester
• Schedules pending jury trial cases for roster meetings and trials. Maintains a calendar with all pending jury trial cases scheduled for court
• Prepares letters and correspondence sent to attorneys and pro se defendants
• Prepares for jury selections: compiles and organizes all criminal histories and driving records for all selected jurors, creates a spreadsheet with all pertinent information regarding jurors, and assists in the jury selection process
• Maintains a scheduled/calendar of all DUI cases scheduled for a OMVH Administrative Hearing
• Maintains and updates the database created by ADPS for all discovery due and past due from officers for all jury trial cases and Rule 5 requests
• Purchases office supplies and equipment as needed. Submits reimbursements and purchase orders
• Utilizes/operates a computer(s), facsimile, video equipment, copier, research tools/books, and other office supplies in the performance of activities

Other Responsibilities

• Assists in Court for trials, roster meetings, and daily court sessions
• Oversees special projects as assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney
• Conducts research assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney and prepares memos outlining the results of the research
• As other duties allow, assists the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney in processing and responding to Freedom of Information Act requests
• Other duties as assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney

• Graduate of a Paralegal Training Program (American Bar Association (ABA) approved) or equivalent, with one to three years of experience desired; or a combination of education and experience indicating the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position and a willingness to become a graduate of an ABA-approved Paralegal Training program. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and professionally to judges, attorneys, their staff, other City employees, and members of the public
• Capable of performing duties effectively and accurately while maintaining schedules and deadlines
• Skilled in applying a careful attention to detail as necessary to complete the essential responsibilities and duties of the position
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and other computer programs
• Knowledge of South Carolina criminal law, particularly Municipal and Magistrate Court Laws, procedures, and court rules preferred
• Experience in the areas of legal research and writing desired

This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.