Paralegal I/II

County of Shasta • Redding, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The current vacancy is in the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. This position provides paraprofessional legal support work, including legal research and legal document preparation, requiring knowledge of legal theory and procedures. The Paralegal I is an entry-level classification working under close supervision, learning routine duties and progressing to more complex tasks with decreased supervision. The Paralegal II is a fully qualified classification, performing the full range of duties independently and exercising judgment and initiative. The District Attorney's office includes a Prosecution Unit, Bureau of Investigations, and Crime Victims Assistance Center, supported by Fiscal, IT, Community Education, and administrative staff.

Requirements

• Knowledge of procedures involved in finding relevant material in standard legal reference books.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of legal research, discovery and fact investigation.
• Knowledge of civil procedure.
• Knowledge of principles of legal writing.
• Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, phraseology, forms, documents, principles, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local court processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of general operation of the court system.
• Knowledge of computer equipment and applications utilized by the department.
• Knowledge of office methods and practices, procedures, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Knowledge of business correspondence and report writing.
• Knowledge of basic principles and techniques of training and supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions.
• Ability to independently gather information and prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal issues.
• Ability to organize large amounts of data, facts and research.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and understand federal and state court decisions, statutes, regulations and legal documents.
• Ability to draft legal documents and pleadings.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules and written and oral directions to specific situations requiring the use of independent judgment and minimal supervision.
• Ability to use sound judgment within the scope and limit of authority delegated.
• Ability to manage assigned workload.
• Ability to operate personal computers and utilize computer applications used by the department.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to follow workplace safety policies and procedures.
• 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 paralegal certificate or degree as defined by Business & Professions Code, section 6450, or equivalent experience and education.
• Must fulfill mandatory continuing education requirements as defined by the California Business and Professions Code, section 6450 (d).

Nice To Haves

• Experienced in criminal prosecution or a strong interest in prosecution work.
• Experienced in reviewing discovery and trial transcripts, as well as familiarity with resentencing petitions, expungements, and registration relief, is highly desirable.
• Proactive, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgment and discretion with confidential information, and have a commitment to providing high-quality support to attorneys.

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.

Benefits

• CalPERS retirement program (2% at 55, 2% at 60, or 2% at 62).
• Employee contribution up to 9.5% of pay to CalPERS plan.
• Direct deposit for paychecks.
• Potential for future salary increases as per the UPEC - General bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED