Under the direct supervision, guidance and review of an attorney, incumbents in this class engage in substantive legal tasks such as preparation and submission of legal memoranda and other documents, screening of criminal cases, organizing files, assisting attorneys in the presentation of evidence, researching information and communicating with law enforcement and court personnel. This position requires a high degree of skill and the exercise of good judgment. The paralegal must be able to complete multiple projects with various deadlines while maintaining constant communications with supervising attorney, must be able to work under stressful conditions and maintain confidentiality of assignments
Minimum Qualifications
Associates degree in Paralegal Studies from an accredited institution or Certificate of paralegal studies plus 18 months of paralegal experience.
This position requires a high level of communication with the supervising or directing attorney, exercising professional judgment in the performance of assignments.
Due to the nature of this position, successfully passing a comprehensive criminal background check is required.
Essential Functions
The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.
Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Assist attorneys, investigators, law enforcement, and claim agents with preparation for criminal/civil trial prosecution/litigation.
Case review, research factual and/or legal issues; analyze the elements of the crime and/or claims of the complaint, cross reference with criminal and/or civil statutes.
Follow up investigation, obtain witness statements and/or conduct initial witness interviews, assess interviews, prepare interrogatories, answers and depositions, analyze and summarize depositions.
Review and prepare case by obtaining, compiling and organizing documentation with other evidence to distribute initial/supplemental discovery in a chronology of facts, assist with e-discovery, and/or preparation for lawsuits.
Prepare, draft, file or e-file correspondence, legal pleadings, investigative subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, complaints, motions, supporting memoranda, notices, writs, warrants, contracts, findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders, jury instructions, minutes, appeals, etc.
Prepare and draft ordinances, policies, regulations and legislation.
Interact with court personnel, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, law enforcement, other agencies and the public.
Demonstrate knowledge of court proceedings, legal terminology, and computer systems.
Organize and index case files manually and/or electronically for prosecution of criminal charges and/or civil litigation. Prepare and maintain trial/case exhibits, pleadings binder and/or trial notebook and assist attorneys in court proceedings as necessary.
Research issues, perform computer searches of public and private records as directed, responds to inquiries and documents completion of tasks.
Review police reports and appropriate criminal statutes for the preparation of charges. Create probable cause statements and criminal charging documents. Enter charges and information into District Attorney’s Case Management Database. Prepare case declinations for police agencies and provide case follow-up.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (ksa)
Knowledge of
General secretarial/clerical and office procedures and techniques, including advanced typing skills
Legal terminology and ethics
Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
Case management in a digital environment
Communication competency via verbal, written and electronic modes
Business English, Legal writing, proofreading and editing techniques
Salt Lake County rules, regulations, policies & procedures
Criminal justice and civil court system
Civil and criminal court procedures
E-filing
County subdivision approval process
County environmental rules and regulations
Word processing systems and equipment
Legal research
Filing systems and procedures for various courts, District Attorney & outside agencies
Document control
County operations and organization
Skills and Abilities to
Type accurately at 40+ words-per-minute
Perform legal tasks using independent judgment
Work with computer software related to job specific duties, i.e. Word, Adobe, Case Management Database
E-file with administrative agencies and courts
Transcribe dictation, hearings, meetings, etc.
Use initiative and ability to act independently
Take minutes accurately and prepare minutes for approval by board/agency
Work under pressure and meet deadlines
Interact with and assist the public in a prompt, courteous and professional manner
Working Conditions And Physical Requirements
Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION
Due to the nature of this position, successfully passing a comprehensive criminal background check is required.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Legal
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Salt Lake County by 2x