Paralegal Prosecuting Attorney's Office - Grant Funded

Ingham County•Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Ingham County Prosecutor and/or Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and the Office Administrator, performs para-professional legal services including legal research and writing, document review, discovery analysis, assistance with supportive legal documents, and victim/public communication. This position uses considerable independent judgement in making decisions requiring the complex interpretation and application of the law. Conducts necessary research and prepares drafts of legal opinions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents. Analyzes and organizes information to help attorneys develop case strategy.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related area of study, or a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in a law firm, office, or court is required.
Must have and maintain a valid State of Michigan driver’s license.
Uses personal vehicle to perform tasks outside the office.
Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.
Principles and practices of criminal law applicable to practice as a paralegal
Principles, practices, and techniques of legal research and writing
Methods and techniques of effective interviewing and investigation
Legal forms and the content required for filing cases
Standard business software and specialized legal software and programs
Correct English usage including spelling, grammar and punctuation, practices of legal communication
Effective customer service practices and techniques
Ability to sit, stand, walk, traverse, climb, balance, twist, bend, stoop/crouch, squat, kneel, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, type, endure repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
Ability to exert between 20-50 pounds of force.
Close visual acuity to perform tasks within arm’s reach such as: viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, inspecting and assembling parts, etc.
Ability to communicate and respond to inquiries both in person and over the phone.
Ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter and retrieve information from a computer.
Ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal certification is strongly preferred.
Notary Public preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists attorneys with the preparation of legal documents including, but not limited to, briefs, pleadings, appeals, witness lists, witness statements, plea agreements, settlement agreements, and discovery notices.
Assists attorneys in development of case strategies, case theories, jury selections, and trial proceedings.
Assists in civil forfeiture, Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests, family court proceedings, and other proceedings/cases handled by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office.
Works autonomously and exercises independent judgment while preparing, reviewing and distributing memoranda, correspondence, reports, PowerPoint presentations, forms, and other documents as assigned.
Logs and tracks correspondence.
Assists in information gathering for attorneys by identifying and engaging with witnesses and experts, developing timeline outlines, and handling various related tasks.
Assists and attends hearings and trials with attorneys and other staff.
Remains up-to-date on new/developing laws, forms, and legal information relevant to the prosecution of criminal, delinquency cases as well as civil forfeiture and processing Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA).
Performs case preparation at the direction of the attorneys.
Reviews, analyzes, and performs redactions of various documents to include medical records, police reports, photographs, video, etc for purposes of complying with FOIA requests from the public.
Drafts various legal documents including correspondence, motions, and other pleadings necessary to move cases toward resolution competently and in compliance with all legal requirements and deadlines.
Presents statements of fact, law and basic arguments clearly, logically and concisely.
Files pleadings and other legal documents with courts or administrative agencies; possesses knowledge and ability to e-file documents in all courts.
Logically and accurately reads, understands, analyzes, interprets applicable statutes, court decisions, ordinances, court rules, codes, laws, policies, procedures, and other legal documents, and applies to assignments.
Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes legal and technical documents related to cases, including but not limited to, criminal backgrounds, police reports, out-of-state documents, medical records, CPS records (Child Protective Service), school documents, Registers of Action, transcripts, Center for Forensic Psychiatry evaluations, and Michigan State Police laboratory reports.
Ensures that case management systems and document management systems are updated in a timely manner reflecting actions taken by the employee.
Researches and analyzes legal or factual issues using legal databases and books, and provides findings to attorneys.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with court staff, officers of the court, judicial system employees, victims, law enforcement, and the public.
Serve as a Notary Public of witness on various documents related to county business as necessary.
Assists in the collection and maintenance of statistical records of the Prosecutor’s Office and assist in the preparation of monthly and/or annual reports as requested.
Trains new employees as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
May be responsible for mentorship and supervision of legal interns.
Manages multiple tasks, set priorities and meets deadlines consistent with time pressures and high volumes of work.
Provides administrative assistance such as preparation of case statistic reports, case summaries, and other reports as requested by management.
Maintains and operates computerized database for docket control, case management, calendaring, and litigation support.
Attends legal seminars, training classes, and position orientated meetings on and off site.
Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to HIPAA and other privacy issues.
During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to, but not limited to, those in his/her job description.