Paralegal

This position typically provides support to solicitors in all aspects of trial preparation for prosecution of criminal cases ; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides support to attorneys by performing legal tasks, including research, preparation/drafting of motions, orders, subpoenas, pleadings and other legal documents.
• Assists in all aspects of trial preparation for cases, including preparation of demonstrative aids and other materials for trials and presentations.
• Prepares and files competency and criminal responsibility orders in General Sessions and Probate Court.
• Prepares dockets for plea terms, Preliminary Hearings, Transfer Court, Grand Jury, bond hearings, and other court terms.
• Pulls all preliminary files for court sessions.
• Attendance/assistance for attorneys may be required during court hearings, trials, presentations, etc., located at the main Berkeley County Courthouse, or other locations that require travel to/from the scheduled court, agency, etc.
• Reviews juror lists for statutory exemptions and disqualifications.
• Creates and/or maintains associated documents and database.
• Research legal issues.
• Updates supervisor of critical issues and/or events.
• May provides assistance with Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Assists the Case Management division and Legal Assistants with special projects and other tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies; Criminal Justice; or Public Service or in a related field preferred;
• Three (3) years of related legal and/or court experience;
•  Paralegal Certificate from an accredited institution required;

Special Requirements: 

• Must receive NCIC certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must have and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license with safe driving record.
•  Departmental testing may be administered during interview;  
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of personal computers, including Word and Excel.
• Skill in clerical tasks including filing, customer service, data entry and correct grammar usage.
• Skill in the use of general office equipment.
• Ability to work in an intense environment while interacting face-to-face with law enforcement, clients of the court, bondsmen, and/or members of the justice system.  

This position requires the employee to reach, pull and push with hands and arms; stand; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.The work is regularly performed in a relatively safe, secure and stable work environment. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am until 5:00pm with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary - especially when a jury trial is in progress. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.