Paralegal Bilingual-Visalia

Tulare County Superior Court•Visalia, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this technical level position assists attorneys and judges in research, analysis, and other duties as assigned. Incumbents are required to fluently read, write and speak another language other than English and provide translation services for non-English speaking individuals with court business at least forty percent of their work time. An attorney, commissioner or judge provides supervision; administrative direction can be provided by a court manager I, or higher-level manager.

Requirements

Fluently read, write and speak another language other than English
Provide translation services for non-English speaking individuals with court business at least forty percent of their work time
Legal procedures
Legal research, techniques and methods
Drafting legal documents, and opinion writing
Filing procedures and legal terminology
Court policies
Legal ethics related to civil or criminal procedures
Demonstrate effective grammar/writing skills: proofread for correct grammar, citations, codes, etc
Analyze legal documents accurately
Correctly summarize the law in any given area by written memoranda
Understand and apply legal principles and precedents
Research legal references
Present verbal statements of fact and law
Perform computerized legal research
Establish effective working relations with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and he general public
Follow verbal and written instructions
Operate a personal computer and related software with efficiency
Have excellent phone skills and a clear and concise manner of speaking
Keyboard ability at a minimum of 50 words per minute
Learn and apply the practices and procedures of the work unit to which assigned
Punctually arrive at workstation
Work independently to prioritize work and meet departmental deadlines
Completion of an approved legal paraprofessional training program, with possession of a paralegal certificate
Three years experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents, preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law; preferably including one year of journey level paralegal experience

Nice To Haves

Civil litigation procedures
Bail Bond law
Trial Court Act
Public employee discipline process
Administrative law
Family law
Child welfare law
Public nuisance enforcement actions
Civil rights
Probate law
Criminal law

Responsibilities

Provide education materials to parents concerning the process of establishing paternity and establishing modifying and enforcing child and spousal support in the courts
Provide assistance to judges, attorneys and general public in completing forms and other documents
Review documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions and other legal authorities
Assist attorneys in legal research utilizing a computer and gathering information from the internet, legal research software, legal books and publications
Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities
Distribute necessary court forms and voluntary declarations of paternity
Review files to ensure that documentation is procedurally correct and in compliance with appropriate laws and local rules and note deficiencies
Prepare accurate summary documentation, sets forth facts of each matter before court, summarizes the legal factors and any issues and makes recommendations for action
Monitor changes to civil law; recommends policy and procedural changes required for compliance, and institutes such modifications after approval
Prepare child support schedules based upon statutory guidelines
Meet with litigants to mediate issues of child support, spousal support, and maintenance of health insurance
Draft stipulations to include all issues agreed to by the parties
Prepare formal orders consistent with the court’s announced order in cases where both parties are unrepresented
Maintain effective working relationships with Judicial Officers, court staff, staff from other courts and the District Attorney
Prepare child support calculations
Assist with case file and management; prepare judgments
Provide referral to the District Attorney, Family Court Services, and other community resources that provide services for parents and children
Maintain a cooperative relationship and effective referral base with legal and domestic violence resources
Mediate issues of child support with parties to case to reach resolution as possible; work with TCDCSS to resolve child support issues and avoid court hearings
Provide translation services for non-English speaking people with court business at least forty percent of work time.
Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public
Perform related duties as assigned.