Paralegal III

Stanislaus County•Modesto, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office fights mass incarceration by providing zealous representation to low-income people facing criminal charges. The Public Defender seeks to serve the whole client, addressing needs that contribute to criminal legal involvement or that arise from contact with the legal system. The office is client-centered in its representation, recognizing that all clients deserve autonomy, dignity, and respect throughout their experience with the justice system. The Paralegal III will join a team of over 80 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other staff dedicated to keeping people free and preserving their future despite the criminal charges they may be facing. The ideal candidate will apply knowledge of legal research methods, legal document preparation, and case development procedures to support attorneys in all phases of case preparation and related legal proceedings. The candidate is a skilled and self-directed professional who can independently manage complex assignments with minimal supervision. Candidates should demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, adaptability in handling specialized legal work, and the initiative to support special projects and departmental objectives.

Requirements

Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations
Legal document preparation techniques
Advanced research techniques and tools
Paralegal methods and practices
Civil procedures and rules of court
Litigation processes
General accounting principles and practices
Assist in negotiating settlements
Prioritize and assign work
Summarize data and information
Draft and analyze complex legal documents
Perform advanced legal research
Independently prepare clear and concise reports
Verbal and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work
Calculate financial information
Understand, interpret and apply advanced principles and practices
Advanced editing and drafting skills
Work independently
One (1) year experience equivalent to a Paralegal II in Stanislaus County
Certificate of completion from a recognized Paralegal Program or associate’s degree in paralegal studies OR Possession of Juris Doc degree from a recognized law school
Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of all Level II requirements
Demonstrated ability with all Level II requirements

Responsibilities

Provide outreach training to law enforcement, other public agencies and the community
Perform simple legal research, including locating statues and cases utilizing various legal research platforms
Research, interpret, apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in preparation of case opinions and briefs, with minimum instruction
Review reports, which may include law enforcement reports
Prepare and/or assist in preparation of pleadings, points and authorities related to legal documents
Maintain legal case files
Conduct interviews, inventory evidence
Retrieve and respond to requests for information and/or inquires from interested parties
Review a variety of documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions, and other legal authorities, advise parties on requirements of document completion
Prepare and respond to complex motions and pleadings; and receive service of process
Gather information, analyze, compute and calculate financial information and statistics utilizing established policies and procedures of assigned unit
Study, research and interpret laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs; assist in case analysis
Assign, review, and coordinate correspondence, special projects, and research
Prepare complex legal forms, reports, and correspondence
Serve as a lead to assigning, monitoring work, training employees on work methods, and providing direction
Act as a financial investigation/asset forfeiture expert and oversee the liquidation of the forfeited cases
Maintain current reference index logs of all claims, defendants and victims to field inquiries, ascertain status of prosecution or the eligibility of claim or benefits paid on the claim
Participate in mediation and various court hearings
Assist with grant preparation; assign court calendar; and update case and computer files