Paralegal I

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•$52,000 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is an agency of thoughtful professionals committed to advocating for the public they serve and the industries they regulate. Created in 1885, the Commission regulates several public industries, including telecommunications, natural gas, transportation, grain warehouses and dealers, and modular housing and recreational vehicles. This role seeks an experienced and detail-oriented Paralegal to join the agency. Under limited supervision, the successful candidate will assist attorneys by providing administrative and legal support services including document preparation, legal research, and preparation for legal proceedings.

Requirements

Associates degree in paralegal studies from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program at an accredited college or successful completion of a program at an ABA approved paralegal institute.
Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of State and federal statutory and case law and constitutional provisions pertinent to agency programs; administrative law; goals, scope, and impact of agency programs; functional relationships and legal processes of the courts and legislative/administrative bodies in Nebraska; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; the principles and practices of legal research; the techniques of preparing and drafting legal documents and forms; legal terminology.
Skills to operate computer equipment and other office machines; use a variety of advisory and statistical data such as manuals, policies, procedures, and reports; prioritize/organize work; analyze data; research; and problem-solving.
Abilities to interpret and apply statutes, case law, decisions of a court/administrative agency, and administrative rules and policies; prepare and communicate orally the facts and arguments of a case; communicate in writing to summarize and exchange legal findings and conclusions; interact professionally with legal associates, elected officials, other government employees, the public, and representative of parties involved in a case; draft legal opinions and recommendations based on research, investigations and discussions with attorneys; conduct legal research and investigations; identify critical elements of legal questions or issues; and use a computer for word processing and research.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or case management software
Experience with legal research software (Lexis, Westlaw, etc.)

Responsibilities

Maintain electronic files for multiple docket types, including routine proceedings, complaints, investigations, rules & regulations and appeals.
Assist attorneys with hearing preparations; including but not limited to making copies of exhibits for court reporter/commissioners, scheduling court reporter/translators.
Coordinate scheduling of Commission meetings and legal proceedings, such as hearings, planning/prehearing conferences, and oral arguments.
Serve as public records officer for the agency, including records management and coordinating responses to records requests.
Coordinate compliance with other legal requirements, including preparation and filing of annual reports, appeals.
Write legal documents, such as routine orders, pleadings, and motions for review, approval and use by an attorney.
Conduct research and analysis of statutes, regulations, cases, Commission orders, and other legal sources.
Assist with the preparation of rule and regulation filings with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office.
Serve as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring legal volumes are up-to-date.