Paralegal - Natural Resources

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

3d • $21 - $49 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Attorney General’s Office, Natural Resources Division is seeking a dedicated paralegal to provide essential legal support to Assistant Attorneys General in matters relating to water rights and the State Engineer’s Office. The paralegal works closely with attorneys, clients, and other legal staff and is involved in the preparation, management, and resolution of cases, with a major focus on General Stream Adjudications. The Natural Resources Division provides legal and litigation support to the Utah Department of Natural Resources and its divisions, including Forestry, Fire & State Lands; Oil, Gas & Mining; Parks & Recreation; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources; and the Utah Geological Survey. The division also represents and supports the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and the Constitutional Defense Council in matters involving the protection, use, stewardship, and conservation of Utah’s public lands, roads, and natural resources. This position primarily serves the Division of Water Rights. From safeguarding Utah’s interstate water allocations to advancing the state’s agricultural and resource interests, the division addresses a broad range of complex legal challenges. Through focused counsel and skilled advocacy, the Natural Resources Division ensures that the agencies entrusted with Utah’s lands and waters can responsibly manage, develop, and preserve the state’s natural heritage for future generations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of legal terminology, court processes and systems, and legal processes and procedures is a must.
• Can work independently but also work effectively as part of a team.
• Deals with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism, whether they be fellow Attorney General employees, the client, or members of the public.
• Comply with ABA Legal Assistant code of ethics.
• An associate's degree in paralegal studies or a related bachelor's degree and relevant paralegal experience; or National certification (NALA, NFPA, or NALS) and relevant paralegal experience.
• Skilled in independent decision-making, complex legal tasks, and effective case management.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with e-discovery tools such as Everlaw is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establishes, organizes, and/or maintains files, both internal and public facing.
• Reviews case files and maintains document control, tracking and tracing of court and/or administrative filings, and other documents.
• Drafts various routine legal documents, including petitions, answers, motions and supporting memoranda, notices, and discovery documents such as interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents, etc.
• Conducts factual research and compiles information obtained from investigations.
• Searches public and private records.
• Investigates and prepares cases, including gathering evidence, working on pleadings, and preparing for trial.
• Assists attorneys in locating, obtaining, tracking, and disseminating information and evidence.
• Makes decisions to solve problems by using logic and research to identify key facts, explore alternative pathways to resolution, and propose solutions.
• Draft correspondence and other legal documents.
• Analyze and summarize data; interpret results and/or make recommendations.
• Research public and private records in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Assist with discovery needs and participate in strategy sessions for case preparation.
• Maintain case files, maintain document and calendar control, and meet strict deadlines.
• Proofread outgoing pleadings for content, grammar, and errors.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree