Paralegal - Juvenile Officer

Jackson County, Missouri•Kansas City, MO

10d•$22 - $27

About The Position

The Paralegal assists attorneys with technical paralegal work in juvenile law cases involving delinquency, abuse and neglect, adoption, and termination of parental rights. Work includes preparing legal documents, obtaining records and materials for litigation, and communicating with witnesses and victims for litigation purposes. The position is in the Office of Juvenile Officer and receives direct supervision from a managing attorney or trial team leader, with general supervision provided by the Chief Juvenile Officer and Chief Deputy Juvenile Officer. The Chief Juvenile Officer is the appointing authority. No supervision is exercised. The role requires organizing case files and evidence, preparing and processing legal documents, tracking cases and deadlines, and assisting attorneys in hearing and trial preparation. The position may involve attending hearings and meetings and traveling within the Kansas City metro area to collect records from agency partners. The employee must maintain confidentiality, communicate professionally, and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and with partner agencies and the court.

Requirements

Meet at least one of the following education or experience qualifications: possess a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or paralegal designation; graduate from an ABA-approved legal assistant or paralegal program; graduate from an institutionally accredited but non-ABA-approved program requiring the equivalent of 60 semester hours of classroom study; graduate from another legal assistant or paralegal program plus one year of in-house training; hold an associate’s degree in a related field; or have three years of law-related experience under an attorney’s supervision, including at least one year of in-house training as a legal assistant or paralegal.
Have a valid driver’s license from the state of residence and provide proof.
Have auto liability insurance and a properly licensed, reliable vehicle, and provide proof.
Knowledge of court procedures, legal documents and terminology, laws, and legal factors; knowledge of criminal, juvenile, or family law is preferred.
Skill in word processing and operating computers, computer programs, and case management software.
Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, clearly, concisely, accurately, and promptly, verbally and in writing.
Ability to draft pleadings and legal documents accurately and promptly.
Ability to work for extended periods without frequent supervision.
Ability to apply legal principles and knowledge to individual cases and problems.
Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize evidence and prepare clear, complete, logical reports and written documentation.
Ability to organize and prioritize varied demands on time.
Ability to work positively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and establish and maintain effective working relationships with juvenile offices, agency partners, community stakeholders, the community, and court administration.
Knowledge of and strict adherence to ethics and professional responsibility applicable to employees of lawyers and the Court, including maintaining confidential information.
Ability to operate a vehicle safely and prudently.

Responsibilities

Organize and maintain paper and electronic case files using case management software.
Analyze and assess evidence, identify the need for additional information, prepare pleadings for attorney review, issue subpoenas, and contact agencies to obtain records.
Travel to agency partners within the Kansas City metro area to pick up records, as needed.
Assist attorneys with organizing evidence and meeting with witnesses in preparation for hearings and trials; attend court hearings and meetings to assist attorneys, as needed.
Draft and e-file exhibit and witness lists, discovery requests and responses, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents, and coordinate attorney review and signatures.
Prepare, deliver, process, and e-file legal documents, including subpoenas, summonses, and affidavits.
Analyze and summarize records, depositions, transcripts, pleadings, and motions from court and related agency files.
Provide information to relevant persons within confidentiality limits.
Track pending cases and advise attorneys about concerns with evidence sufficiency, admissible records, service of subpoenas or summonses, and other litigation challenges.
Maintain a calendar of critical dates and deadlines, including hearings, filings, pre-trial dates, and discovery responses.
Serve on assigned teams or committees, cross-train for other paralegal duties, and work on special projects as assigned.
Perform related and other duties as required.