Paralegal

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

6d•$63,080 - $94,620

About The Position

Under the limited supervision of an Attorney, the Paralegal performs intermediate skilled technical work providing specialized support to the Office of the County Attorney in a supported department. The position is assigned to the CFAS Division. Work may include attending court, preparing orders and other legal documents, assisting with litigation preparation, conducting legal research, compiling information, maintaining detailed and/or confidential legal records and files, and preparing reports. The role may also involve drafting orders and motions, maintaining proceeding schedules, scheduling hearings, sending notices of legal proceedings, and preparing case files. The Paralegal provides administrative support to Attorneys and the leadership team. Depending on the area of assignment, the position may research property values, deed transfers, and estates; support Real Estate lawyers with documents and research; review surveys, title reports, and related real estate documents; prepare contracts, leases, easements, land legal descriptions, and other documents for County real estate transactions; or work with the legal office on bankruptcy claims. The role also responds to outside public records requests, performs Notary Public duties, and may assist the department's business manager and Executive Assistant with administrative work.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in the legal field, court experience in a human services field, or experience performing legal research.
Associate degree in Paralegal Studies/Technology or a related field.
NC Bar Paralegal certification, or the ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Knowledge of Mecklenburg County and department policies, procedures, and program manuals.
Knowledge of legal terminology, spelling, and grammar.
Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and Rules of Civil Procedure.
Knowledge of standard office equipment and associated software, such as LexisNexis and Online NC General Statutes.
General knowledge of legal research principles, methods, and practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prepare reports and written correspondence.
Ability to summarize facts and evidence and organize and perform work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with others and adapt to different situations.
Ability to perform arithmetic computations, including rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, supervisors, associates, and the public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and good judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field.
Experience with legal proceedings.
Some familiarity with child abuse and neglect matters.

Responsibilities

Attend court as necessary and create and prepare legal documents from descriptions and/or drafts.
Research legal issues, precedents, laws, and statutes, and analyze legal issues and policies that affect service delivery by the Office of the County Attorney.
Research the establishment of a Compliance and Ethics Division and related issues, and prepare an outline for the process.
Prepare reports and correspondence.
As assigned, research property values, deed transfers, and estates; support Real Estate lawyers with document preparation and research; review surveys and related real estate documents and title reports; prepare contracts, leases, easements, legal descriptions, and other documents for County real estate transactions.
As assigned, work with the legal office on bankruptcy claims.
Respond to outside public records requests and compile records.
Perform Notary Public duties.
Assist the department's business manager and Executive Assistant with administrative duties.
Perform other related duties as assigned.