PARALEGAL - 40000106 (DSSLS DIVISION)

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GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The purpose of this job is to perform responsible paraprofessional work in assisting the County Attorney’s Office with trials, appeals, investigations, and legal research in its DSS section primarily focused on child support enforcement, juvenile abuse/neglect/dependency (AND), and adult guardianship matters.

This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

TYPICAL TASKS:

• Performs legal research using LexisNexis/Westlaw, assists in investigations, completes specially assigned projects, and manages complex problems and time-constrained tasks with rapid but error-free analyses.
• Assists County Attorneys in hearings and trials, including assembling case packets, marking exhibits, and managing various documentation.
• Drafts, reviews, analyzes and files legal documents including petitions, motions, proposed orders, complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, notices, and subpoenas, and complete cite checking in preparation of filing briefs and motions.
• Prepares and maintains case files; tracks statutory deadlines.
• Collect, organize, redact, certify, and authenticate records in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Assists in the drafting and responding to discovery requests such as, but not limited to, interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, etc.
• Maintains databases, calendars, and shared hearing schedules.
• Maintains forms, standard operating procedures, and notebooks.
• Coordinates witnesses and exhibits for court.
• Assemble financial documentation (wage records, payment histories, calculations) and prepare exhibits for establishment, enforcement, and modification hearings.
• Prepare juvenile petitions, motions to review, non-secure custody orders, and notices; monitor court plans.
• Serves as liaison between County Attorney’s Office, clients, and the general public.
• Provides administrative support as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of legal office practices, procedures, and techniques.
• General knowledge of legal terminology.
• General knowledge of local law.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental functions, organization, and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and practices utilized in legal research.
• Advanced ability to perform statutory and case law research using legal search engines such as Lexis and/or Westlaw.
• Ability to effectively operate a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, research, and email software applications.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents with minimum to no errors.
• Ability to effectively maintain office and legal records.
• Ability to be extremely well organized, detail-oriented, and to perform work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and logically in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 

Requires an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field supplemented by two

(2) years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
 

• Paralegal certification or equivalent is required
• Notary Public Commission within six (6) months of employment required.

PREFERENCES:
 

• Experience in litigation
• Experience in Local or State Government law
• Experience with NC eFiling (eCourts) system
• Experience in child support enforcement proceedings or experience working in DSS legal environment

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.