Paralegal

Job Posting Title:

Paralegal
Department:

Legal
Location:

415 SILVER AVE SW
Pay:

$20.63 - $29.25
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

Paralegal will perform highly complex paralegal work in legal research studies and prepare comprehensive interpretive reports with recommended solutions. Participate in research, investigations, and preparation for litigation and/or trail proceedings in support of the Legal Department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.          Assist in drafting of legal documents and pleadings, including complaints, motions, orders, discovery and contracts according to general guidelines and special instructions.
2.          Draft routine pleadings, statements, affidavits, discovery responses, and/or other legal documentation at the specific direction of attorneys.
3.          Conduct factual investigations and prepare necessary affidavits and documents to support attorneys' litigation efforts.
4.          Coordinate and schedule witness interviews; files appropriate pleadings in the state and federal courts.
5.          Schedule depositions; maintain calendar of court appearances for attorney; maintain and monitor legal files and
deadlines.
6.          Compile, interview and organize evidence and other relevant information for internal hearings and meetings as appropriate.
7.          Assist in preparing and organizing case files for hearings or trial, including exhibit and witness preparation for hearing or trial.
8.          Answer telephone and respond to requests for routine information; refer others to appropriate staff person.
9.          Perform legal research as assigned.
10.        May provide routine paralegal assistance to outside counsel and/or other administrative agencies.
11.        Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        *The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED, and four (4) years of work experience in a legal office, legal procedures, research, or court systems Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

1.          An accredited national association certification as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal preferred.
2.          Ability to draft legal contracts, agreements and settlement procedures and other legal documents including pleadings and discovery requests and responses.
3.          Knowledge of legal terminology, documents common to a legal office, legal procedures and various court systems.
4.          Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research and the knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in area of expertise.
5.          Ability to work independently and resourcefully with minimum supervision.
6.          Ability to maintain confidentiality and to deal tactfully with clients and third parties.
7.          Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written English.
8.          Ability to interact professionally with the public and co-workers.

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1.          Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination.
2.          Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.           All essential duties are performed indoors.
2.           Duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
3.           Duties are performed on an even surface, which may be carpeted or tile.  Working surface is typically dry.
4.           Worker often works alone both with and without directions from supervisor.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1.          Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties include telephone, computer terminal, computer printer, computer keyboard, copier, fax machine, Dictaphone, and calculator.
2.          Materials and products handled in the course of performing essential duties include files, forms, reports, various other paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

**NOTE: You are not required to disclose information about physical or mental limitations that you believe will not interfere with your capability to do the job.  On the other hand, if you want the employer to consider special arrangements to accommodate a physical or mental impairment, you may identify that impairment in the space provided and suggest the kind of accommodation that you believe would be appropriate.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

1.          Must be able to type correspondence and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
2.          Must be able to use reason and judgment in performing duties and responsibilities.
3.          Must be able to organize and prioritize numerous tasks.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

1.          Work is primarily sedentary, with opportunities to stand/walk as needed typically being available throughout the workday.
2.          Must be able to bend at the waist and twist/rotate occasionally.
3.          Must be able to work with arms bent or extended away from body or overhead and be able to push/pull with arms as needed.
4.          Must be able to crouch and kneel occasionally.
5.          Must be able to use hands and fingers in order to grasp/manipulate various equipment and materials needed to perform duties and responsibilities.
6.          Must be able to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of equipment such as telephone, typewriter and computer.