Sr Paralegal

Guilford County•201 West Market Street Greensboro, NC

About The Position

The Sr Paralegal assists County Attorneys with legal analysis, research, investigation, case preparation, document drafting, and departmental administrative needs. The role gathers and analyzes statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, public records, and other documents; investigates facts and applicable law; and develops and organizes information needed to handle matters before the County Attorney’s Office. The position prepares and drafts legal documents and reviews, edits, and researches real estate transactions, including deeds, settlement statements, and title changes. For County real estate purchases, the paralegal prepares a sixty-year title search identifying prior owners, liens, rights of way, judgments, taxes, assessments, and other encumbrances, and provides a title-chain cover sheet to the assigning attorney for certification. The Sr Paralegal supports attorneys with trial preparation in matters including tax foreclosure, liability claims, eminent domain, property damage assessments, and delinquent accounts. Work may include gathering evidence, locating parties, preparing documents, arranging pre-trial interviews, obtaining property and construction records, and securing photographic evidence. The position also performs legal research and investigations for staff attorneys and County departments, and may assist with office coordination and provide backup support for HR/payroll-related tasks, calendars, court coverage, contract attorney schedules, and intern schedules. Work is evaluated primarily by results, as well as through conferences and reviews of investigation or research records and reports. The work is generally sedentary and performed in a stable office environment with adequate light, heat, and ventilation. The position may require driving a County-owned or personal vehicle for County business; a valid driver’s license and compatible driving record may be verified, and personal-vehicle use must meet the County’s insurance policy.

Requirements

Associate degree and three years of office experience as a paralegal or lawyer.
NC Certified Paralegal certification; a Juris Doctorate satisfies the experience requirement and may substitute for the NC Paralegal Certification.
Knowledge of Civil Rules of Procedure.
Knowledge of the litigant system, including court rules, processes, and procedures.
Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and other applicable laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of public records laws and responsive requirements.
Strong legal research and investigative skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to draft complex legal documents and correspondence.
Ability to independently organize and prioritize numerous tasks, use independent judgment, and handle confidential topics.
Ability to manage large projects and compile and review complex, extensive public records requests.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in paralegal/legal studies, municipal studies, public administration, or a related field.
Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently and in a team, multitask, accept direction, and prioritize deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional writing, analytical, and communication skills, and active-listening ability.

Responsibilities

Gather and analyze statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, documents, and other research data; investigate facts and laws and assist attorneys with cases and departmental inquiries.
Prepare sixty-year title searches for County real estate purchases, identifying prior owners, liens, rights of way, judgments, taxes, assessments, and encumbrances.
Prepare title-chain cover sheets for the assigning attorney’s certification of title.
Assist staff attorneys with trial preparation for matters such as tax foreclosure, liability claims, eminent domain, property damage assessments, and delinquent accounts.
Gather evidence, locate concerned parties, prepare documents, arrange pre-trial interviews, obtain plats and property or construction drawings, and secure photographic evidence when needed.
Review, edit, and draft reports, correspondence, pleadings, contracts, and real estate documents.
Conduct legal research as assigned by staff attorneys.
Perform legal investigations for County departments and organize factual and legal information relevant to County Attorney’s Office matters.
Assist in directing and coordinating office activity.
Provide backup support to the department HR/payroll representative, including approving time sheets and maintaining calendars and schedules for court coverage, contract attorneys, and interns.