Paralegal I/II

County of Shasta (CA)•Redding, CA

54d

About The Position

Paralegal I: Under close supervision of attorney staff, provides paraprofessional legal support work including legal research and legal document preparation requiring knowledge of legal theory and procedures and to perform related duties as required. Paralegal II: Under general supervision of attorney staff, provides paraprofessional legal support work including legal research and legal document preparation requiring knowledge of legal theory and procedures and to perform related duties as required.

Requirements

Procedures involved in finding relevant material in standard legal reference books
Methods and techniques of legal research, discovery and fact investigation
Civil procedure
Principles of legal writing legal concepts, terminology, phraseology, forms, documents, principles, procedures and practices
Federal, state, and local court processes and procedures
General operation of the court system
Computer equipment and applications utilized by the department
Office methods and practices, procedures, supplies and equipment
Proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation
Business correspondence and report writing
Basic principles and techniques of training and supervision
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
Understand and carry out complex oral and written directions
Independently gather information and prepare reports and correspondence
Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal issues
Organize large amounts of data, facts and research
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Read and understand federal and state court decisions, statutes, regulations and legal documents
Draft legal documents and pleadings
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Interpret and apply laws, rules and written and oral directions to specific situations requiring the use of independent judgment and minimal supervision
Use sound judgment within the scope and limit of authority delegated
Manage assigned workload
Operate personal computers and utilize computer applications used by the department
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships
Follow workplace safety policies and procedures
Work primarily in an office environment including sitting at a desk working with computer equipment, on the phone and in meetings for prolonged periods
Regularly working with files and with general office equipment
Travel to and take notes in Court
Paralegal I: Two (2) years of secretarial or clerical office support experience preparing a variety of legal documents in a public or private law office.
Paralegal II: Two (2) years of paralegal experience comparable to a Paralegal I with Shasta County.
Possession of a valid California driver's license.
A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following, as required by Business & Professions Code, section 6450: (1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association. (2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. (3) A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. (4) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
Additionally, incumbents in this class are required to fulfill the mandatory continuing education requirements as defined by the California Business and Professions Code, section 6450 (d).

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate for this position is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with demonstrated experience in criminal prosecution or a strong interest in prosecution work.
They must possess excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and are comfortable preparing and assisting with a wide range of legal documents.
The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
They must demonstrate sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and a commitment to providing high-quality support to attorneys.
Experience reviewing discovery and trial transcripts, as well as familiarity with resentencing petitions, expungements, and registration relief, is highly desirable.
The ideal candidate is also a strong communicator who can work cooperatively with attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, outside agencies, and the community.
They will also have a passion for prosecution with a desire to see that justice is served.

Responsibilities

Performs paralegal services for attorney staff
Researches legal issues and reviews statutes and other municipal codes/ordinances, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and other documents
Drafts routine pleadings, briefs, appeals and other litigation related documents including, but not limited to, petitions, complaints, answers, and declarations
Reviews and summarizes deposition and hearing transcripts
Assists staff in tracking existing and proposed legislation
Provides legislative history and status reports
Contacts attorneys and others to coordinate calendars, meetings and the conduct of legal business
Organizes and maintains litigation and non-litigation files and materials
Organizes document control in situations involving voluminous documents
May appear in court in a support capacity for attorneys
Performs related duties as assigned.