Paralegal

About the Role

Under direction, assists in the preparation of cases for legal action, conducts assigned legal research, gathers factual information, and assists in the preparation of legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Gather all relevant facts pertaining to the case in preparation for trial.
• Conduct legal research to identify laws, judicial decisions, legal precedents, and other relevant case material and prepare reports of findings.
• Prepare drafts of legal arguments and various legal documents, obtain affidavits, and assist the attorney during trial or hearing.
• Organize and maintain reference files, collect and analyze evidence for hearings, and prepare informative or explanatory material on relevant laws, agency regulations, and policy.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and legal codes to prepare drafts of legal documents (e.g., briefs, pleadings, appeals, contracts) for attorney review, approval, and use.
• Obtain documents from appropriate sources.
• Prepare reports, findings, surveys, and recommendations to assist members of the legal staff.
• Provide technical assistance.
• Review and answer correspondence.
• Review brief format prior to court submission.
• Schedule cases for attorneys and assemble data and information required for preparation of court cases.
• Interview clients and locate and interview witnesses.
• Draft correspondence and pleadings.
• Summarize depositions, interrogatories, and testimony for review.
• Examine case files and records; determine issues and sufficiency of evidence or documentation.
• Brief attorneys prior to a hearing or court appearance, assemble and arrange case files, documents, and exhibits.
• Attend court sessions or hearings.
• Establish and maintain records and files.
• Learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

Education

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree as a Legal Assistant or in Paralegal Studies, or
• An Associate or Bachelor's Degree and a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.

Note: A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree may substitute for the above education.

Note: Rule 1:20-20(a) prohibits attorneys who have been disbarred, resigned with prejudice, transferred to disability-inactive status, or are under suspension from practicing law in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction from being employed as paralegals/legal assistants in the State of New Jersey.

Two years of experience in the preparation of drafts of contracts, briefs, motions, affidavits, or other legal documents and/or experience in the analysis of judicial decisions, legal opinions, rulings, memoranda, and other legal material, and the preparation of summaries of the points of law involved, may substitute for the above education requirement.

License

A driver's license valid in New Jersey is required only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of techniques and materials used to conduct legal research.
• Knowledge of legal publications and periodicals.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts.
• Ability to conduct legal research.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to review, analyze, and evaluate factual materials.
• Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
• Ability to locate and prepare digests of court decisions, precedents, legal opinions, legal citations, and other legal material.
• Ability to interview clients to obtain information.
• Ability to prepare drafts of proposed rules, regulations, and opinions.
• Ability to prepare materials for briefs, hearings, and reviews.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Schedule

• Work Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Unpaid Lunch: One hour

Additional Information

• Business attire/Business casual
• Work from office