Paralegal - Juvenile Officer

Circuit Court of Jackson County•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Paralegal assists attorneys with technical legal work in juvenile law cases involving delinquency, abuse and neglect, adoption, and termination of parental rights. Responsibilities include preparing documents, obtaining records and other materials for litigation, and communicating with witnesses and victims. The Chief Juvenile Officer is the appointing authority; the Chief Juvenile Officer and Chief Deputy Juvenile Officer provide general supervision, while a managing attorney or trial team leader provides direct supervision. The position does not supervise others. The role requires maintaining confidential information and observing the ethics and professional responsibilities applicable to employees of lawyers and the Court. The employee may travel to agency partners in the Kansas City metro area to pick up records. A valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and a properly licensed and reliable vehicle are required, with proof provided.

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.
For qualifying in-house training, receive attorney education about legal assistant or paralegal duties in accordance with National Association of Legal Assistants guidelines, including assignment review and analysis and a reasonable amount of related instruction.
Knowledge of court procedures, legal documents and terminology, laws, and legal factors, preferably those concerning criminal, juvenile, or family law.
Skill in word processing and operating computers, computer programs, and case management software.
Communicate professionally, clearly, concisely, accurately, and promptly, verbally and in writing.
Draft pleadings and legal documents accurately and promptly.
Work for extended periods without frequent supervision.
Apply legal principles and knowledge of individual cases and problems.
Analyze, appraise, and organize evidence; prepare clear, complete, and logical reports and written documentation.
Organize and prioritize competing demands on time.
Work positively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and maintain effective working relationships with Juvenile Office staff, other Juvenile Offices, agency partners, community stakeholders, the community, and court administration.
Observe ethics and professional responsibility requirements, including maintaining confidential information.
Operate a vehicle safely and prudently.
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.

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, prepare subpoenas, and contact agencies to obtain records.
Travel to agency partners in the Kansas City metro area to pick up records, as needed.
Assist attorneys in 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 of concerns about evidence sufficiency, admissible records, service of subpoenas or summonses, and other litigation challenges.
Maintain a calendar of critical dates and deadlines, including hearings, court filings, pretrial dates, and discovery response dates.
Serve on assigned teams or committees, cross-train for other paralegal duties, and work on special projects as assigned.
Perform related and other required duties.