Part-Time Paralegal (District Attorney Office) Open Till Filled

This is a part-time, benefited position.

About the Role

Under the direct supervision, guidance, and review of an attorney, incumbents in this class engage in substantive legal tasks such as preparation and submission of legal memoranda and other documents, screening of criminal cases, organizing files, assisting attorneys in the presentation of evidence, researching information, and communicating with law enforcement and court personnel. This position requires a high degree of skill, the exercise of good judgment, and the ability to complete multiple projects with various deadlines while maintaining constant communication with the supervising attorney. The paralegal must work under stressful conditions and maintain confidentiality of assignments.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys, investigators, law enforcement, and claim agents with preparation for criminal/civil trial prosecution/litigation.
• Conduct case review, research factual and/or legal issues, and analyze the elements of the crime and/or claims of the complaint, cross-referencing with criminal and/or civil statutes.
• Follow up on investigations, obtain witness statements, conduct initial witness interviews, assess interviews, prepare interrogatories, answers, depositions, and analyze and summarize depositions.
• Review and prepare cases by obtaining, compiling, and organizing documentation with other evidence to distribute initial/supplemental discovery in a chronology of facts, assist with e-discovery, and/or preparation for lawsuits.
• Prepare, draft, file, or e-file correspondence, legal pleadings, investigative subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, complaints, motions, supporting memoranda, notices, writs, warrants, contracts, findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders, jury instructions, minutes, appeals, etc.
• Prepare and draft ordinances, policies, regulations, and legislation.
• Interact with court personnel, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, law enforcement, other agencies, and the public.
• Demonstrate knowledge of court proceedings, legal terminology, and computer systems.
• Organize and index case files manually and/or electronically for prosecution of criminal charges and/or civil litigation.
• Prepare and maintain trial/case exhibits, pleadings binder, and/or trial notebook and assist attorneys in court proceedings as necessary.
• Research issues, perform computer searches of public and private records as directed, respond to inquiries, and document completion of tasks.
• Review police reports and appropriate criminal statutes for the preparation of charges.
• Create probable cause statements and criminal charging documents.
• Enter charges and information into the District Attorney’s Case Management Database.
• Prepare case declinations for police agencies and provide case follow-up.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies from an accredited institution or Certificate of Paralegal Studies plus 18 months of paralegal experience.
• High level of communication with the supervising or directing attorney, exercising professional judgment in the performance of assignments.
• Successfully passing a comprehensive criminal background check is required due to the nature of this position.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of general secretarial/clerical and office procedures and techniques, including advanced typing skills (40+ words-per-minute).
• Proficiency in legal terminology and ethics.
• Intermediate to advanced level in Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with case management in a digital environment.
• Strong communication competency via verbal, written, and electronic modes.
• Proficiency in business English, legal writing, proofreading, and editing techniques.
• Familiarity with Salt Lake County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of the criminal justice and civil court system, including civil and criminal court procedures.
• Knowledge of e-filing, county subdivision approval processes, county environmental rules, and regulations.
• Experience with word processing systems, legal research, and filing systems for various courts, the District Attorney, and outside agencies.
• Document control and understanding of county operations and organization.
• Ability to perform legal tasks using independent judgment.
• Proficiency with job-specific software (e.g., Word, Adobe, Case Management Database).
• Ability to e-file with administrative agencies and courts.
• Transcription skills for dictation, hearings, meetings, etc.
• Initiative and ability to act independently.
• Ability to take accurate minutes and prepare them for approval.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with and assist the public in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment.