PARALEGAL SPECIALIST OPS - 60933526

State of Florida•Panama City, FL

11d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual to work in our Children's Legal Services Division, a premier statewide law firm. This is an excellent opportunity to work among an elite group of dedicated legal child advocates to ensure justice for the children of Florida. This is work assisting lawyers in the Children’s Legal Services program by preparing legal documents, scheduling court events, filing and serving legal documents, and preparing discovery. The work is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Requirements

Must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and, if applicable, also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S.
Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities

Research legal precedent, investigate facts, or prepare legal documents.
Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Draft legal documents for assigned cases including pleadings, motions, notice of filings, subpoenas and other necessary documents needed to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being.
Assist in the prosecution of cases with duties including scheduling and file preparation for initial or permanency staffing; coordination and scheduling of case planning conferences or mediation; arranging for diligent search; service of process or publication; coordination and setting of dispositions and obtaining transcripts when requested; preparation of subpoenas for trial and duces tecum; enter or check entries in appropriate information system(s) for accuracy and compliance with AFCARS and CLS requirements; handle local CLS responsibilities on appeals.
Maintain one or more calendars for scheduling and tracking legal events including arraignments, advisory hearings, dispositions, trials, case plans (approval/expirations/updates) and Judicial Reviews that are scheduled with the court.
Coordinate with all parties and document in appropriate information system(s).
Responsible for all data entry into appropriate information system(s) for assigned cases.
File legal documents appropriately (electronic or hard copy) and timely with court.
Prepare a timely and professional draft response to an initial demand for discovery, including tracking due dates and coordinating the gathering of material such as narratives; investigation summaries; medical records and witness lists.
Redact discovery documents when necessary.
Track court orders and documents in appropriate information system(s) when a draft order is due to the court, enter when the draft was submitted and document when the order was entered by the court.
Open, Maintain and Close the physical CLS case file, including following all local office procedures for organization, filing and storage of the case file.
Monitor or assist with monitoring the reports from the appropriate information system(s) and ensure the assigned attorney is notified of any issues.
Perform other related work in association with or as directed by the Regional Director, Managing Attorney, Attorney Supervisor, and/or CLS Leadership.