Paralegal

The School District of Lee County•Fort Myers, FL

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Serve as a liaison for Legal Services in communications with parents and community members, representative of other organizations, and staff in response to claims, requests, complaints, and other matters of a legal nature. Assist attorneys in all phases of legal research, background investigations, and case management. Prepare and finalize drafts of documents including, but not limited to, correspondence, pleadings, motions, other court-related documents or filings, contracts, policies, resolutions, or other District documents as directed by the supervising attorney. Interview staff and other witnesses who may be affiliated with a particular case or matter in pending claims against the District; summarize and report findings to attorney. Gather and analyze information; index various materials that have been compiled. Assist attorneys in the review of miscellaneous legal documents to ascertain their accuracy and conformance to established policies and standards. Work with attorneys in coordinating and overseeing document production associated with assigned cases. Research legal information in statutes, legal opinions, court rulings, pleadings, and official guidance via conventional and computer-based methods, independently or at the direction of an attorney. Open, organize, and maintain both physical case/matter files and those maintained via any electronic case management system. Assist Legal Secretary in maintaining attorney calendars and master docket calendar for legal deadlines, scheduling all appointments, tracking work in progress, and monitoring cases through final disposition. Prepare hearing notebooks and arrange for attendance of witnesses at hearings or internal investigations. Coordinate the scheduling of administrative hearings for student disciplinary hearings, including preparatory witness meetings and evidence review. Assist in providing technical support for various District departments and schools concerning legal issues such as custody issues. Maintain confidentiality regarding school and workplace matters. Track new developments in the legal field; maintain familiarity with applicable laws, rules, policies, and regulations. Assist with preparation of School Board legal agenda items for Board meetings. Attend trials, depositions, or other legal proceedings with District attorney to assist as needed. Provide coverage for Legal Secretary when necessary due to absence.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
Five (5) years of legal assistant experience.
Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy minimum qualifications.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
Mathematical, analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills
Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with rapidly changing priorities and demands.
Knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures for the functional area of assignment.
Knowledge of and experience using multiple project management tools and methodologies.
Knowledge of HIPAA, Public Records, Sunshine Law, FERPA, and other laws/regulations related to student and employee privacy, public information, and records retention.
Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel.
Ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a timely and professional manner.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in political science or related field.
Graduation from an American Bar Association approved legal assistant program or certified legal assistant.
Experience managing business/department functions and staff.

Responsibilities

Serve as a liaison for Legal Services in communications with parents and community members, representative of other organizations, and staff in response to claims, requests, complaints, and other matters of a legal nature.
Assist attorneys in all phases of legal research, background investigations, and case management.
Prepare and finalize drafts of documents including, but not limited to, correspondence, pleadings, motions, other court-related documents or filings, contracts, policies, resolutions, or other District documents as directed by the supervising attorney.
Interview staff and other witnesses who may be affiliated with a particular case or matter in pending claims against the District; summarize and report findings to attorney.
Gather and analyze information; index various materials that have been compiled.
Assist attorneys in the review of miscellaneous legal documents to ascertain their accuracy and conformance to established policies and standards.
Work with attorneys in coordinating and overseeing document production associated with assigned cases.
Research legal information in statutes, legal opinions, court rulings, pleadings, and official guidance via conventional and computer-based methods, independently or at the direction of an attorney.
Open, organize, and maintain both physical case/matter files and those maintained via any electronic case management system.
Assist Legal Secretary in maintaining attorney calendars and master docket calendar for legal deadlines, scheduling all appointments, tracking work in progress, and monitoring cases through final disposition.
Prepare hearing notebooks and arrange for attendance of witnesses at hearings or internal investigations.
Coordinate the scheduling of administrative hearings for student disciplinary hearings, including preparatory witness meetings and evidence review.
Assist in providing technical support for various District departments and schools concerning legal issues such as custody issues.
Maintain confidentiality regarding school and workplace matters.
Track new developments in the legal field; maintain familiarity with applicable laws, rules, policies, and regulations.
Assist with preparation of School Board legal agenda items for Board meetings.
Attend trials, depositions, or other legal proceedings with District attorney to assist as needed.
Provide coverage for Legal Secretary when necessary due to absence.