Paralegal-Visalia

Tulare County Superior Court•Visalia, CA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this technical level position assists attorneys and judges in research, analysis, and other duties as assigned. An attorney, commissioner or judge provides supervision; administrative direction can be provided by a Court Manager I, or higher-level manager.

Requirements

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.
Meyers-Milias-Brown 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 judgment
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
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.