Paralegal - Confidential

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County. Under general supervision, performs a variety of paraprofessional legal work supporting County attorneys in civil or criminal cases, and other legal matters. Typical Tasks and Representative Duties (Not in order of importance) Prepares legal documents under the technical direction of an attorney such as appeals, pleadings, complaints, subpoenas, notices, petitions, discovery requests, contracts, court orders, and service agreements; performs and summarizes legal research under the technical direction of an attorney.  Completes and files documents with the court; monitors court cases and ensures all documents are filed and on calendar according to court rules and regulations. Prepares and coordinates exhibits, evidence, discovery, witnesses, and depositions for trial. Gathers, interprets, and analyzes information regarding laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, court decisions, records requests, and other related research items.  Assists attorneys in case planning, development, and management. Collects, compiles, and utilizes technical information to make decisions and recommendations. Prepares communications and written materials such as reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and statistical data; coordinates and performs related statistical, grant tracking, and administrative work. Conducts and reviews client and witness interviews. Responds to inquiries and provides information to the public, other County departments, other public agencies, outside counsel, and defendants regarding cases or other legal inquiries. Performs other related duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics Incumbents in the Paralegal classification perform paraprofessional legal work in support of County attorneys including conducting legal research, drafting and analyzing legal documents, and other related work. Incumbents do not perform duties constituting the practice of law which is limited to the County's practicing attorneys.  The Paralegal classification is distinguished from the Legal Clerk classification in that Legal Clerks perform specialized clerical work of a legal nature,  while the Paralegal classification performs direct legal support work to County attorneys which requires advanced professional training in law, legal proceedings, and documentation. Click Here to see the full job description. Knowledge of Modern office practices and procedures County government organization, functions and procedures Legal terminology, processes, procedures, forms, and formatting for legal documents Trial preparation and procedure Principles, concepts and methodology of legal research and analysis General legal principles and application Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing confidentiality of legal records and proceedings Recordkeeping, report preparation, and filing methods Ability to Perform legal research and analysis Prepare a variety of legal documents, reports, and other statistical and narrative written materials Use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation Perform accurate computations  Handle confidential and sensitive information Work under pressure and deal with emergencies effectively using tact and discretion Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the public, attorneys, peers, subordinates, and other agencies  Work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with others, including those of diverse perspectives using interpersonal skills  Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action Keep and maintain accurate records and reports Use computers and related technology efficiently Operate a variety of office equipment Education and Experience A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate Licenses and Certificates Possession of a paralegal certificate or equivalent as described in the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450 et seq. is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout employment, including mandatory continuing legal education as described in subdivision (d). Certain positions within this classification may require driving.  When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver's license will be required at the time of appointment. Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.  Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.  An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Please be advised that you must complete the job application. Attaching a resume only is not sufficient. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.  If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.