Associate Paralegal

About the role

The El Paso County Attorney’s Office Department of Human Services Division seeks a paralegal to support legal efforts. Located in beautiful Colorado Springs, the office is dedicated to serving the community.

Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Stays in close communication with attorneys and legal staff regarding assigned caseload.
• Drafts routine legal documents, such as memoranda, legal pleadings, motions, affidavits, general correspondence, contracts, regulations, bylaws, and ordinances.
• Conducts routine legal research on a wide variety of subject matter areas, such as statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other sources.
• Provides written analysis to attorneys when appropriate.
• Processes electronic filing of documents in State and Federal court as directed; assists with any non-electronic filing as necessary.
• Aids in all stages of prosecution or litigation matters as directed, such as case review, drafting pleadings, trial/hearing preparation, legal processes, file management, document production, and assisting at court trials and hearings.
• Responds to correspondence, telephone, and walk-in inquiries from employees, court staff, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Performs administrative support as needed; may serve as a notary public.

Requirements

• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of court rules and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in databases and software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Ability to draft legal pleadings and correspondence.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely with regard to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and to exercise sound and professional judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively verbally and in writing with County staff, Elected Officials, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including copiers, computers, telephone, and fax machines.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Paralegal certificate or degree.
• Two years of legal experience may substitute for the required education.
• Experience in a legal environment, providing direct support to attorneys.
• Experience in a local government legal environment, such as a District Attorney’s Office or County Attorney’s Office.

Benefits

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm; subject to change. The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the needs of the department or office and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department. El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer. El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.