Paralegal Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Taunton, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paralegal Specialist provides assistance to the Department of Mental Health's Taunton Legal Office. Critical functions of this position include working with physicians, clinicians, case managers, and other DMH staff, court personnel, and attorneys in scheduling cases and information gathering, as well as maintaining office litigation databases. The incumbent also provides litigation support, principally by assisting in the preparation or collection of documents such as affidavits and treatment plans, petitions, motions, orders, findings, reports, and decrees for commitments, guardianship, and conservatorship cases; assisting with correspondence and document drafting, maintaining case files, and performing related duties associated with an office environment. The ideal candidate should have excellent organization skills, attention to detail, the ability to maintain accurate records, and must be able to balance multiple projects at the same time.

Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to function independently.
• Two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work under pressure and with a wide variety of individuals.
• Legal experience in the practice of mental health/disability law.
• Computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• A certificate from a recognized paralegal training program.
• Oversee a substantial caseload and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of legal documents for filing and presentation in court.
• Facilitates requests for production of documents and requests for investigative reports by compiling documents, speaking with appropriate people, and assembling materials in order to comply with requests.
• Facilitates the gathering of information and follow-up communication by using e-mail, fax, and telephone in order to assist in the operation of the legal office.
• Develops and maintains record-keeping systems and files by using computer and paper filing systems to ensure deadlines are met and reports can be gathered.
• Serves as liaison to public and private agencies, the courts, consumers, and family members by speaking and corresponding with them to exchange information or assist in problem-solving.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions in order to assist legal counsel in drafting briefs and memorandum of law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

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