Paralegal

Lake County•Waukegan, IL

50d•Onsite

About The Position

The position works with the Self Represented Litigants (SRL) Coordinator and the Law Library staff to assist self-represented litigants in an effective and efficient processing of court cases. Responsible for guiding self-represented litigants on procedural information and assisting parties with the preparation and completion of forms, performing case screenings, case intake and case coordination. In addition, the incumbent may be responsible for legal research; assist with the production of court standardized forms and local rules; keep statistics and prepare reports. Requires significant customer service. The ability to speak Spanish is preferred/desired.

Requirements

General knowledge of legal research and of the judicial system.
Manages difficult or emotional customer relations situations, responds promptly to customer needs, solicits customer feedback to improve service, responds to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret detailed instructions, correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information to outside sources/larges groups.
Ability to respond to questions from court administration staff, supervisors, judges, governmental agencies, and the general public.
Ability to write, speak audibly, clearly and accurately in a diverse environment.
Use of independent judgment within established practice and procedural guidelines.
Associate degree in paralegal or paralegal certificate and three years of legal experience working in a court, law library or law office setting.
Additional legal work experience in a court or office law setting may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required formal education.
Valid Driver’s License required.

Nice To Haves

The ability to speak Spanish is preferred/desired.

Responsibilities

Guide individuals in locating relevant information on state statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
Explain and assist in the completion of forms.
Provide customer service and answer questions involving services provided by the Law Library and the Courts.
Assist individuals regarding domestic violence, family law, and small claims.
Performs legal research of varying degrees of difficulty requiring familiarity with both manual and electronic resources.
Answer questions from self-represented litigants regarding basic legal information and answer questions about court forms.
Learn and utilize court related software/applications, such as child support calculations and electronic filing.
Explain court processes, scheduling hearings, mediation, status checks, etc.
Detail other court programs, as well as relevant community resources.
Ensure the protection of sensitive data and safeguard confidential information.
Assist Judges in the courtroom and in the preparation of court orders.
Act as a liaison between self-represented litigants and other court personnel.