Senior Paralegal (Legal Assistant II) - Labor Unit

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor Unit within the State Services Section is seeking a Senior Paralegal to join its dedicated team serving the people of Colorado. The Unit provides general counsel to three key state agencies: the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA), and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA). Our work spans a broad range of responsibilities, including representing our clients in litigation in state, federal, and administrative courts at the trial and appellate levels. The Unit also advises clients on day-to-day legal issues, board representation, open meetings and open records matters, rulemaking, and drafting both formal and informal legal opinions. The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution AND one (1) year of paralegal experience OR Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity, which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Effective oral and written communication with internal and external clients.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills.
• Ability to research, analyze, and compile data using multiple software applications.
• Time-management skills, including the ability to multi-task and effectively manage competing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work well with a diverse range of clients and coworkers and work collaboratively on a team.
• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Must provide a copy of transcripts if qualifying with a degree.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing paralegal support to multiple attorneys with competing deadlines.
• Experience reviewing legal documents for essential terms, such as deadlines to respond to a filing.
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat to create exhibits for filing with court or hearing body.
• Experience working with court personnel or other professionals in a collaborative fashion.
• Experience using electronic filing systems, such as the Colorado state court e-filing system or in similar forum or agency.
• Specific experience using Microsoft Word to create court filings with tables and authorities.
• Experience with ProLaw or a similar case management system.
• Experience using Google Workspace.
• Experience organizing and tracking multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with matters related to state government and/or labor laws.

Responsibilities

• Researching, reviewing, organizing, and drafting legal pleadings.
• Coordinating directly with clients and opponents and drafting pleadings, settlement memos, and settlement agreements in enforcement matters.
• Drafting aspects of pleadings and appellate briefs such as tables of contents and authorities and analyzing appellate and civil procedure rules to ensure compliance therewith.
• Verifying factual and procedural information.
• Assisting with witness preparation for hearings, depositions, interviews, and other trial-related needs.
• Supporting attorneys in presenting evidence before the Office of Administrative Courts and in state and federal district courts.
• Serving as a liaison among attorneys, client agencies, pro se litigants, witnesses, other Department of Law units, the Office of Administrative Courts, and state and federal trial and appellate courts.

Benefits

• Competitive medical and dental health plans
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans with Colorado PERA
• Vacation and sick leave earned each month
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Free access to an on-site fitness center
• Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans
• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

What This Job Offers

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