Paralegal I - Parentage Litigation Unit (Internal Applicants Only)

King County • Seattle, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves complex paralegal work, requiring in-depth knowledge of civil litigation and legal office operations, highly developed administrative skills, and considerable knowledge of the functions of various county agencies. The individual assigned to this classification will provide paraprofessional legal support to an assigned group of attorneys and other staff. There is considerable latitude in working independently and exercising judgment, and because of that, the impact of errors may be significant.

Requirements

• Knowledge of legal office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of court rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of complex filing systems.
• Ability to access and utilize information from various computer systems.
• Skill in remaining calm in high stress situations and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in working on a number of tasks simultaneously and accurately.
• Ability to maintain office confidentiality.
• Skill in working independently and as a member of a team.
• Skill in explaining procedures and legal terminology to lay people.
• Skill in interview, analytic, and research techniques.
• Ability to prepare a variety of clear and concise written materials using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, and others.
• Leadership skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions and complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling, and/or action/discipline.
• Commitment to Race, Equity, and Social Justice work including ongoing cultural competence development.

Nice To Haves

• Internal applicants only.
• Applicants must serve and pass their six-month probation period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Draft a variety of motions such as summary judgments, dismissals, and genetic tests, which allows cases to keep moving within the guidelines of the case schedule issued by the court.
• Perform legal and general research, gather information, and compile data for parentage cases.
• Draft and prepare letters, memos, and other correspondence.
• Collect discovery information and prepare child support worksheets for child support orders.
• Provide technical or administrative support to deputy prosecutors and others in all phases of project and case development.
• Provide case management and deadline control, monitoring progress of all assigned cases and matters.
• Negotiate agreements with parties in court and in the office.
• Respond to telephone calls and e-mails from respondents, court personnel, and other agencies.
• Locate and interview people with relevant case knowledge.
• Perform administrative duties which can involve copying, mailing, scanning, and e-filing documents with the court and performing data entry in SEMS (Support Enforcement Management System).
• E-file parentage petitions and supporting documentation.
• Manage all phases of process service of parentage petitions.
• May be assigned the orientation and/or training of co-workers.
• Must be able to work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others.
• Actively participate in PAO equity work, attending equity trainings and discussions.
• Additional responsibilities and/or tasks may be incorporated, or existing ones modified as business needs evolve.

Benefits

• Salary Range 49 - $37.97 (step one) - $48.13 (step ten)
• Monday-Friday – our core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• In-person/telecommute (hybrid); Three days in-office required; initial training period will be at the King County Courthouse in Seattle.
• Regular worksite will be 724 West Smith Street, Suite 101, Kent WA 98032 upon office consolidation; date TBD.
• An alternative schedule is subject to supervisor approval.
• Any change in the position or work group will be determined by the needs of the Family Support Division.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed