Paralegal (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo•Redwood City, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of San Mateo District Attorney's Office is accepting applications for the position of Paralegal. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office's mission is to prosecute adult and juvenile offenders, provide services to support victims, enforce consumer and environmental laws, provide legal and investigative support to public safety partners, and to remain committed to the principles of equity and transparency in seeking justice and greater public safety. To that end, we are committed to ensuring that no member of our office will seek or obtain a criminal conviction or seek or obtain a sentence of any individual based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Paralegals perform a wide range of complex legal support work, such as conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, motions, and other documents, responding to discovery requests, corresponding with attorneys, and assisting attorneys in all aspects of case preparation. Incumbents may receive general direction regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and techniques are discretionary, and incumbents are expected to possess the initiative to operate with a significant degree of independence. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to handle several projects and assignments simultaneously, have experience with complex legal support work, strong oral and written communication skills, well-developed computer skills, as well as proficiency with the full range of Microsoft products (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) in addition to legal case management software. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with office management, attorneys, support staff, and other County departments and will be able to accept assignments outside of their prior work experience. The ability to independently conduct legal research, use initiative, exercise sound judgment, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines is also strongly desired. In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience in processes and procedures related to the field of criminal law. There are currently two vacancies to be filled. NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to qualify is: Completion of coursework leading to paralegal certification or completion of the first year of law school, or two years of increasingly responsible legal office experience, including legal research and policies and procedures related to the specified field of law.
Knowledge of: Legal research techniques and standard legal reference materials.
Processes and procedures related to criminal law.
Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
Record-keeping, report preparation, and filing methods.
Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing, business letter writing, and the operation of common office equipment, including a computer, scanner, and printer/copier.
Skill/Ability to: Perform legal research from varied sources.
Communicate with individuals of various backgrounds.
Prepare a variety of legal documents.
Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Organize and maintain accurate records and files.
Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Experience with complex legal support work
Strong oral and written communication skills
Well-developed computer skills, as well as proficiency with the full range of Microsoft products (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) in addition to legal case management software.
Ability to handle several projects and assignments simultaneously
Ability to work collaboratively with office management, attorneys, support staff, and other County departments
Ability to accept assignments outside of their prior work experience
Ability to independently conduct legal research, use initiative, exercise sound judgment, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines
Experience in processes and procedures related to the field of criminal law.

Responsibilities

Perform legal research under the direction of an attorney; gather information regarding statutes, rules, regulations, court decisions, local resolutions and ordinances, and similar materials related to assigned responsibilities.
Draft and prepare responses to motions, including points and authorities, discovery requests, and other legal actions.
Format and edit briefs written by attorneys.
Prepare and send subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to witnesses, agencies, medical professionals, and businesses.
Organize, index, and summarize research results and assist in preparation for litigation.
Prepare, file, and serve a variety of legal documents such as motions, petitions, and orders while utilizing a computerized case management system.
Work with law enforcement and other government agencies in obtaining reports and records.
Prepare and organize digital files, exhibits, and other documents for court hearings and trials.
Prepare a variety of correspondence and written materials.
May direct the work of others on a project basis; train others in work procedures as needed.
Compile and review confidential and sensitive materials/records.
Review reports, transcripts, and criminal history documents, and prepare summaries.
Review audio and video evidence and prepare summaries.
Use LexisNexis, Evidence.com, and other legal software platforms, and have familiarity with E-Filing (superior court and appellate levels).
Perform related duties as assigned.