PARALEGAL SPECIALIST - 37001079

State of Florida

11d • $45,000

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a Paralegal Specialist to provide essential legal and administrative support to attorneys within the Administrative Section. This position plays a critical role in supporting DEP’s legal operations by conducting research, preparing legal documents, and assisting attorneys in hearings and trials. Key responsibilities include:

Requirements

• Knowledge of legal terminology, law, and legal procedures.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to draft and edit legal documents accurately.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisor, attorneys and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and ability to record information accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• At least three years of secretarial or office clerical experience, or
• Equivalent education/training substitutions: 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college coursework for each year of experience, or 720 classroom hours of vocational/technical training for each year of experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Must have a Notary Public Certificate.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and familiarity with environmental or administrative law are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive paralegal support to litigation attorneys, including preparation and review of pleadings, motions, discovery responses, subpoenas, and exhibits.
• Assist attorneys handling appeals and complex litigation by organizing records, compiling appellate documents, preparing appendices, and tracking filing deadlines.
• Conduct legal research using applicable statutes, case law, administrative rules, and legal databases; summarize findings for attorney review.
• Draft legal documents, correspondence, affidavits, notices, and other legal filings under attorney supervision.
• Manage case files and electronic records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with agency and court requirements.
• Coordinate and assist with trial preparation, hearings, mediations, and depositions, including organizing exhibits and witness materials.
• Process wage garnishments, including reviewing court orders, preparing garnishment documents, coordinating with payroll and third parties, and tracking compliance and payments.
• Monitor case deadlines, court calendars, and statutory timelines to ensure timely filings and responses.
• Communicate professionally with courts, opposing counsel, internal agency staff, and external stakeholders regarding case-related matters.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws, rules of procedure, and agency policies.
• Assist with administrative and special legal projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees