PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 60057671

State of Florida•Panama City, FL

2d•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.

Requirements

Must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment.
Must 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

Assisting lawyers in the Children’s Legal Services program by preparing legal documents, scheduling court events, filing and serving legal documents, and preparing discovery.
Researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents.
Conducting research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Drafting 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.
Assisting 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; entering or checking entries in appropriate information system(s) for accuracy and compliance with AFCARS and CLS requirements; handling local CLS responsibilities on appeals.
Maintaining 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.
Coordinating with all parties and documenting in appropriate information system(s).
Responsible for all data entry into appropriate information system(s) for assigned cases.
Filing legal documents appropriately (electronic or hard copy) and timely with court.
Preparing 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.
Redacting discovery documents when necessary.
Tracking court orders and documents in appropriate information system(s) when a draft order is due to the court, entering when the draft was submitted and documenting when the order was entered by the court.
Opening, maintaining and closing the physical CLS case file, including following all local office procedures for organization, filing and storage of the case file.
Monitoring or assisting with monitoring reports from the appropriate information system(s) and ensuring the assigned attorney is notified of any issues.
Performing other related work in association with or as directed by the Regional Director, Managing Attorney, Attorney Supervisor, and/or CLS Leadership.