Paralegal 2 (80355)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Aztec, NM

About The Position

The Paralegal 2 assists attorneys by researching legal standards, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents to support legal proceedings, defenses, or legal actions. The role provides legal and administrative support, maintains case records and tracking systems, communicates with clients and external justice-system partners, and may provide work direction to employees at lower levels. The position may require reporting to a judicial partner’s building or office, including courthouses, District Attorney offices, detention centers, or correctional facilities. A third-party background check conducted by a judicial partner may be required. The department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking and schedules outside the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule; applicants are encouraged to discuss arrangements with the hiring manager early in the process. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is classified as non-exempt. Authorized extra hours may be compensated with compensatory time at a 1.5x rate, subject to advance request and supervisor approval; cash payment for extra hours is not available. The position requires a valid driver’s license and employment eligibility to work in the United States. The employer cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. The advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Preference may be given to applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and four years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research, and maintaining a case management or tracking system.
A combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in the occupation totaling four years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship or transfer is not available.
May be required to successfully complete a third-party background check conducted by a judicial partner.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and legal codes to prepare cases.
Draft legal instruments, motions, pleadings, appeals, docketing statements, correspondence, releases, and agreements.
Coordinate administrative support activities and interact with the public and other organizations; develop reporting procedures and identify and describe legal problem areas.
Serve as a contact between LOPD and court staff, district attorneys, and law enforcement personnel.
Maintain a case management and tracking system.
Keep accurate files of correspondence and materials relating to cases.
Assist with client interviews and convey information to clients about the legal process and case status.
Maintain an up-to-date jury questionnaire, pull jury trial panels, prepare trial notebooks, and attend trials.
Prepare court dockets, including printing criminal summonses, grand jury indictments, and supplemental criminal information.
Conduct eligibility and conflict checks.
Prepare probation violation dockets.
Schedule court hearings and appointments.
Serve subpoenas, conduct interviews and investigations, and prepare affidavits.
Provide work direction and guidance to employees at lower levels.
Perform related and other duties as assigned.