Paralegal

Summary

The Paralegal position supports the General Counsel and Attorneys by performing legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing responses to legal pleadings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Researches federal &/or state statutes, recorded judicial decisions and other legal sources and reference materials in order to prepare responses in inquiries, complaints, claims or legal/administrative procedural issues to assist attorneys in division;

• Performs internal and other computer assisted searches for information and documents;

• Performs administrative tasks including organizing and distributing information and documents, making photo copies, scheduling hearings, and records management;.

• Drafts and types legal briefs and memoranda, contracts, pleadings, motions, affidavits, legislation, rules and/or regulations and/or prepares case summaries, legal documents and reports for review, approval and signature of and/or use by licensed attorney;

• Provides litigation assistance, including preparing and administering litigation tracking and reporting;

• Utilizes the Contract Logix tracking system;

• Maintains records of all consent decrees or other decisions of courts and commissions;

• Prepares documents for filing with courts;

• Maintains computerized log and request files for public records and open meeting inquiries;

• Handle sensitive and routine inquiries from contacts with public, legal personnel, business officials and/or clients;

• Performs other duties as assigned; and

• Some travel may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Successful completion of certification program for paralegal or legal assistants approved by the American Bar Association or paralegal degree and five years paid work experience as a paralegal/legal assistant OR five years paid work experience as paralegal/legal assistant. Preferred experience with complex litigation work, client relations and management of litigation schedules. Preferred minimum five years experience as a paralegal/legal assistant; experience with legal research; legal terminology; legal issue recognition; case and statutory interpretation; legal analysis, court filing procedures; legal communications; and rules of evidence.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, members, and the general public.

Computer Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and in the use of Lexis/Nexis or Westlaw for legal research. Proficient with use of computer, legal research software, typewriter, photocopier, video display terminal and other office equipment. Preferred experience with document management and document managements systems.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Paralegal certification.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.