Paralegal

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possession of a certificate or degree sanctioned by the American Bar Association as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant

2. Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical established for the classification.

3. Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Work experience in a law office as a paralegal or legal assistant.

• Considerable ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.

• Strong organizational skills

• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and computer applications.

• Reasonable knowledge of effective computer and law library research techniques.

• Reasonable knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Reasonable ability to communicate well in writing and verbally in a variety of situations.

• Reasonable ability to make general decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• May assist in training and checking the work of lower-level employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists with legal procedures, prepares legal documents, and conducts routine legal research.

• Assembles, proofreads, and edits drafts of contracts and/or other legal documents involving case law, and legal matters.

• Updates departmental records and files, tracks cases for attorney reference, opens and closes files and reviews for sufficiency, prepares and submits legal forms to proper parties on a timely basis.

• Composes from general instructions both routine and varied correspondence and reports. 

• Reviews, certifies, index, issues, and files alphabetically, numerically, or according to subject matter, departmental documents, reports and records.  Composes documents from general instructions, routine correspondence, and reports. Maintains and organizes reference books and materials.

• Researches legal issues using hard copy and computer applications.  May use Internet and personal computer software to compile reports, legal opinions, and other information for office reference.

• Conducts initial screening of parties who desire legal information or to initiate legal actions.

• Searches, at the request of attorneys or other public agencies, departmental files and records for specific information, and exercises judgment in determining whether the requesting individual is authorized to receive such information.

• Answers both general and specific inquiries regarding departmental procedures, some of which may require detailed interpretation of legal and departmental policies and procedures.

• Assists the public in completing standard departmental forms, questionnaires, or applications by answering procedural questions.

• Provides general office support duties as needed or assigned.

• May act as a liaison between victims and an assistant prosecuting attorney, the court, police, social service agencies and the Michigan Department of Corrections. 

• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical office environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification.  Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.