Paralegal 1/2 PCN 021245

State of Alaska • Bethel, AK

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position works in the Public Defender Agency’s Bethel office and is responsible for providing litigation assistance to attorneys representing clients in criminal, civil, child in need of aid, and commitment cases. This position is also responsible for assisting attorneys in organizing and managing cases, providing direct client assistance, and utilizing the internal case management system to draft letters and pleadings among other duties. Paralegals are an integral part of providing that representation and protecting our clients' rights. Paralegals work closely with attorneys and other Agency to acquire complete records and transcripts, provide high-level assistance on litigation preparation, and communicate with clients frequently in writing and over the phone. This position is essential to the success of this section by providing advanced administrative and legal support.

Requirements

• Competencies in Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Competencies in Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Competencies in Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
• Competencies in Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
• Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal or legal support area and/or experience preparing, reviewing, or processing legal documents such as affidavits, court reports, demand letters, discovery requests or responses, hearing transcripts, memoranda of advice/instruction/understanding, letters of agreement, motions, legal opinions, subpoenas, and/or writs.
• Ability to obtain a Notary Public upon hire.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check to meet security requirements for using criminal record networks such as Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) and National Crime Enforcement Information Center/National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NCIC/NLETS).
• Competencies in Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Competencies in Administrative Law: Knowledge of State and federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.
• Competencies in Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
• Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal, paralegal, criminal justice, or similar legal support area and/or experience performing paraprofessional legal investigation, discovery, and providing support in the preparation of legal cases, reports, documents, and exhibits.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of training under a formally established Paralegal 1-2 flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska.

Responsibilities

• Providing litigation assistance to attorneys representing clients in criminal, civil, child in need of aid, and commitment cases.
• Assisting attorneys in organizing and managing cases.
• Providing direct client assistance.
• Utilizing the internal case management system to draft letters and pleadings.
• Acquiring complete records and transcripts.
• Providing high-level assistance on litigation preparation.
• Communicating with clients frequently in writing and over the phone.

Benefits

• Opportunity to learn about the legal system.
• Hone administrative skills to further career development in the legal field.
• Work as a team to provide meaningful contributions to Alaska.
• Work impacts people’s lives and protects the constitutional rights of all Alaskans.
• Helps improve case outcomes for individuals charged with crimes.
• Helps re-unify families.
• Provides the foundation for successful re-entry into communities.
• Skills and experience gained can be used to transition to investigative and administrative management positions within the Agency, the State of Alaska, or the private sector.
• Formal and on-the-job training with supervisor and colleagues during the first 12 months (probationary/training period).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree