Paralegal

Job Summary

Hiring Range: $58,380 - $65,000
VISION
El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.
PURPOSE
We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.
VALUES
Service Focused
Collaborative
Accountable
Trustworthy
Transparent

About the Role

This position provides professional-level paralegal assistance to attorneys to support the legal efforts of the office. Provides administrative and research support services, including document preparation and review; interviewing clients and witnesses; research, investigations, and fact-checking; and trial preparation.

Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Stays in close communication with attorneys and legal staff regarding assigned caseload.
• Drafts routine and complex legal documents, such as memoranda, legal pleadings, motions, affidavits, general correspondence, contracts, regulations, bylaws, and ordinances.
• Affords assistance with coordination and review of documents; files applicable legal documents in accordance with established judicial and office policies and procedures.
• Conducts legal research on wide variety of subject matter areas, such as statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other sources.
• Provides written analysis to attorneys when appropriate.
• Affords assistance with all stages of prosecution or litigation matters, such as case review, drafting pleadings, trial/hearing preparation, legal processes, file management, document production, and assisting at court trials and hearings.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Processes electronic filing of documents in State and Federal court; affords assistance with any non-electronic filing as necessary.
• Responds to correspondence, telephone, and walk-in inquiries from employees, court staff, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Determines needs and routes matters for handling, answers questions, and provides information as appropriate regarding cases, policies, office procedures, and services.
• Provides administrative support as needed; may serve as a notary public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge 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.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• 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.

Supervision

• Exercises supervision over employees as needed.
• Receives supervision from supervisor.

Work Conditions

• Duties are primarily performed in an office or courtroom environment.
• Hybrid remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Paralegal certificate or degree.
• Two years of legal experience may substitute for the required education.
• Three years of paralegal experience related to assigned area or function.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation and drug screen.