Paralegal I/II

One current vacancy with the County Counsel's Office on Visalia. Future openings with the District Attorney, Public Defender, County Counsel, and Health and Human Services Agency may be filled from the employment list established by this recruitment. Positions may be filled at the I or II level. The life of the list is six months.

These positions will receive a salary increase in January 2006 of 5%. Salaries shown are for the "K" Confidential designated positions in County Counsel. Positions in other County departments receive a slightly lower salary.

Prepare various types of legal documents, such as contracts, liens, motions, pleadings, orders, petitions, briefs, resolutions and ordinances after obtaining necessary facts and background information for review by attorney; review documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions and other legal authorities; assist attorneys in legal research; prepare reports and correspondence, and legal documents such as drafts of resolutions, ordinances, pleadings, motions, contracts, notices, agreements of sale and lease agreements on real property transactions; interview witnesses; maintain litigation files and provide case and file management; may review escrow agreements and effect necessary modifications; prepare school bond and note documents and forms to call elections; may provide lead supervision of Paralegal I; may represent office at various administrative hearings; may appear in small claims court; may assist attorneys on complex criminal cases.

NECESSARY EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be: PARALEGAL I - completion of an approved paralegal training program OR three years experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law. PARALEGAL II - one year journey level experience as a paralegal AND possession of a paralegal certificate.

Knowledge of: Legal research methods, drafting legal documents and opinion writing; filing procedures and legal terminology; legal office practices and procedures; legal ethics related to civil, criminal or juvinile procedures; automated legal research methods and document preparation.

Skill/Ability to: Read and analyze legal documents; write accurate, concise legal documents such as demand letters, contracts, resolutions, opinions, briefs, recommendations to attorneys, and routine pleadings; explain legal actions/documents to clients in a courteous, patient, and tactful manner; research legal references; present verbal statements of fact and law; establish effective working relationships with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and the general public; follow and give verbal and written instructions; collect and examine factual data; understand and apply legal principles; organize and maintain litigation files; perform computerized legal research; and operate a personal computer and related software.