Paralegal

Department: Law Department Anticipated Work Schedule: M-F Reports To: Deputy Chief, Law Department Full Time or Part Time: FT Regular or Temporary: Reg Bargaining Unit: N/A Classified or Unclassified: Unclassified FLSA : Exempt Summary The purpose of the Paralegal position is to support the County Law Department staff in legal matters.

The position supports the department in handling cases and preparing for hearings, trials, and meetings. Performs legal research, drafts legal documents, maintains case files, and performs various administrative and clerical tasks for the department. Essential Job Functions Major functions are listed in order of importance.

Performs other duties of a similar nature within the position’s scope of responsibility as may be required. Researches and analyzes law sources including statutes, regulations, ordinances, judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes. Conducts document and document databases searches. Locates and gathers relevant information from resources such as newspapers, magazines, libraries, case documents, and the internet.

Prepares legal documents including briefs, pleadings, complaints and appeals, contracts, property acquisition documents, meeting minutes and other documents as required. Proofreads documents. Assists with litigation management. Organizes documents and coordinates or assists with document production. Conducts the bates-stamping, redaction, duplication and indexing of documents.

Creates, organizes and maintains files and databases. Prepares witness and deposition summaries. Develops chronologies. Delivers or directs delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties. Prepares affidavits. Assists with trial preparation. Prepares witnesses and materials for deposition and trial testimony. Attends depositions as needed.

Prepares trial notebooks and evidentiary documents, exhibits and charts. Assists attorneys in the preparation of pleadings and filings for acquisitions. Assists with preparing employment and collective bargaining matters for arbitration and/or fact-finding. Assists with discovery and preparing case documentation, correspondence and responses to requests for information and/or public records requests.

Coordinates with departments in the preparation of legislation for County Council. Acts as liaison among internal departments as well as outside agencies, counsel and consultants. May act as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring legal volumes are up to date. Minimum Requirements Associate degree, preferably in Paralegal Studies, Business, or a related field of study.

Three (3) years of experience working in a law office or legal environment where having a general understanding of the law, legal codes, court procedures, etc. was a major job responsibility. Two (2) years of experience working in an office environment performing administrative and clerical tasks and responsibilities.

Demonstrated competencies in critical thinking, reading comprehension, multi-tasking, problem solving, exercising good judgment and decision-making skills. Light physical effort in sedentary to light work. May involve some manipulation of lightweight items (5-10 pounds). May involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Additional Requirements Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and terminology. Knowledge of proper records management processes. Knowledge of proper processes towards maintaining a law library. Knowledge of proper records management and legal file & document preparation. Knowledge and skill in legal research techniques and investigation procedures Skill in legal document, case, and file preparation for purposes of maintaining databases, trial preparation, and various filings.

Skill in researching and gathering information from various sources. Skill in verbal and written communication to be able to communicate clearly with attorneys and other legal professionals. Skill in coordinating communications across various departments, organizations, and legal parties. Ability to attend to details, particularly in regard to case documentation, grammar, proper legal terminology, and adherence to strict timelines.

Ability to multitask, handle multiple priorities, and organize work accordingly Ability to work independently under high time pressure. Application Process This is an unclassified position. Human Resources will check your application to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. HR helps the hiring department decide who to follow up with for interviews and then a job offer.

Most of our communication with candidates is through email. Regularly check the email address you gave us in your job profile. Watch your Spam folder, just in case. If we offer you a job, you must pass a drug screen and background check before the offer becomes final. Prior criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from employment; the County looks at criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis using the guidelines in Chapter 306 of the County Code .

Conviction of some misdemeanors and felonies may preclude applicants from serving in some positions. Aside from circumstances set forth is Section 306.02(A)(1) of the Cuyahoga County Code, all job openings will require a background check at the time of conditional offers of employment, and conditional offers of employment become permanent only upon successful completion of the background check process EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Cuyahoga County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential.

A diverse workforce helps the County realize its full potential. The County benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. The County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation.

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