Advanced Certified Paralegal

City of Perrysburg•Perrysburg, OH

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to provide specialized administrative and legal support to attorneys and provides lead guidance to Law Department staff. This role involves conducting preliminary investigations, discovery investigations, managing document production, participating in trial preparation and execution, drafting and responding to motions and briefs, providing assistance to victims of crimes, and managing assigned court-ordered programs. The position also involves performing related duties in support of department operations, maintaining knowledge of legal rules and regulations, and processing various documentation. Communication with various stakeholders, including attorneys, court officials, victims, and defendants, is essential. The role requires proficiency in operating office equipment and software.

Requirements

Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies or related field
Three years of experience as a paralegal
Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
Must possess a Paralegal certification or equivalent education, training, and experience
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be eligible for coverage under the City’s vehicle insurance.
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.

Responsibilities

Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers; confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers; assists with complex/problem situations and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; and assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations.
Conducts preliminary investigations: reviews cases; conducts research to determine appropriate jurisdiction; 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 for transfer as needed; forwards information to attorneys for prosecution; and maintains all related documentation.
Conducts discovery investigations: drafts and/or reviews interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents; coordinates collection and review of files and documents; gathers, organizes, summarizes and analyzes data; drafts and/or reviews responses to discovery requests; locates and retains expert witnesses; prepares chronologies; and reviews hearing notices and publications.
Manages document production: obtains and reviews all documents in City’s possession; conducts initial review for privilege; confers with Prosecutor to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production and litigation support, including reviewing, indexing, organizing, and analyzing documents; and follows up on outstanding discovery requests.
Participates in trial preparation and execution: prepares pleading, deposition and trial notebooks with key documents and witness files; discusses court room etiquette with clients and witnesses; coordinates appearance of expert witnesses; organizes, marks and indexes trial exhibits; monitors and coordinates exchange of trial exhibits; manages evidence and equipment; attends jury selection; maintains jury information and details; and assists attorney during trial as needed.
Drafts and responds to formal motions and briefs: performs research and compiles necessary information for motions and briefs; 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.
Performs other related duties as required.