Paralegal II 26-21

Summary Of Duties And Responsibilities

Provides paraprofessional support and enhances attorney effectiveness by providing information; independently conducting extensive research, investigations, and compliance reviews; and preparing in-depth legal documents at the direction of an attorney.

• Obtains information by contacting witnesses, attorneys, claimants, and others; developing questions; reviewing files and documents; and conducting legal and factual research.
• Provides information by answering questions and requests; serving as a resource in areas of general and/or specialized knowledge; attending meetings; assisting in preparation of public education materials.
• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information, using independent judgement in the analysis, preparation and summarization of legal documents and/or pleadings.
• Supports attorneys by preparing case docket; coordinating preparation of reports; analyzing data; identifying solutions; identifying deficiencies; explaining remedies through correspondence and written instruction; clarifying customer complaints; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution; reviewing additional submissions or materials for completion; preparing exhibits; preparing subpoenas; preparing witnesses for testimony; preparing trial briefs and other legal memos; preparing motions; preparing jury instructions; and preparing summons and complaints.
• Complies with federal/state/local legal requirements by reviewing and evaluating documentation, contracts, and financial statements; enforcing adherence to requirements; and studying existing and new legislation/rules.
• Provides recommendations by reviewing and evaluating applications; analyzing programs and services; verifying documentation; studying performance requirements; analyzing and evaluating evidence; keeping abreast of trends; and maintaining historical context.
• Processes claims/registrations by reviewing data for deficiencies; resolving discrepancies by using standard procedures or returning incomplete documents to team leader for resolution.
• Completes research projects by establishing project objective; designing and developing mathematical, statistical, and other models; determining data collection methods; directing the collection of data; synthesizing data; interpreting results.

Qualifications

• Requires at least an Associate Degree (Bachelor Degree preferred) in business law or legal studies, or related field, or completion of an A.B.A. approved paralegal training program and three (3) years of paralegal experience and must have served satisfactorily as a paralegal in the OAG for at least two (2) years or an equivalent combination of training education and experience.
• Lexis and Internet research skills preferred.
• Familiarity with law library resources essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively; excellent verbal and written skills required; evaluate and interpret contracts, financial statements, and other complex documentation; and work within budgetary constraints needed.
• Minimal typing may be required.
• Word Processing skills required.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with other employees and the general public required.

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!

Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance
Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement System
Deferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457k
Commuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation program
Flexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings program
Life insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance available
Disability coverage
Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych
Holidays: 13 1/2 paid
Vacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, prorated
Personal days: 4 annually
Floating Holiday: 1 annually
Sick days: 1 per month

For more information on benefits: visit cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html