Description:
To serve as a professional staff employee of the client whose primary responsibility is to assist the client's Legal Counsel and members of the Legal Office.
Job Duties:
Learn and apply the client code to Access to Public Records requests for the determination of the release or denial of records
Research and analyze law sources, including statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal codes related to public records
Process incoming Public Records Requests within the allotted timeframe
Review and process law enforcement recordings with appropriate redactions per client code
Prepare legal documents for review and approval by the Legal Counsel
Learn the client Trial Rules regarding discovery to non-parties
Coordinate assembly of documentation required as the result of subpoenas and discovery requests.
Maintain files and responsive records
Answer phone inquiries
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with both members of the public and staff
Ability to learn various records systems and rules for usage
Other duties as assigned
Review the client code and client Administrative Code to make proposals regarding potential language changes. Perform other duties as required.
Job Qualifications:
Must be a high school graduate or possess and equivalent GED.
Must possess ONE of the following:
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of twelve (12) hours in law or paralegal studies; OR
Bachelor's degree AND a Paralegal certificate; OR
Bachelor's degree PLUS two (2) years of full time Paralegal experience; OR
Associate's degree in paralegal studies (with certification) AND two (2) years full time legal experience; OR
Certification in paralegal studies PLUS two (2) years full time paralegal experience; OR
Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) (as offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and be in good standing; OR
Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (as offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and be in good standing; OR
Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal (CLA/CP) certification (as offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants), and be in good standing.
Basic understanding of the Legal Research sites LexisNexis and Westlaw preferred.
Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Publisher.
Must be able to conceptualize and develop programs and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Must be able to proofread documents accurately.
Must have strong problem-solving skills.
Must be able to organize, access, input, file and retrieve information utilizing computer.
Must be able to work with minimal supervision, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Skill - Required / Desired - Amount of Experience
High school diploma or GED required. - Required
Paralegal certification with 2 years paralegal experience. - Required - 2 Years
Basic Computer skills. - Required - 2 Years
Strong attention to detail. - Required
Able to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and orally. - Required
Prior experience handling sensitive or confidential information. - Required
Prior experience w/Legal Research sites LexisNexis and Westlaw. - Highly desired - 2 Years
Prior experience conceptualizing and developing programs and procedures. - Highly desired
Paralegal competency certification w/National Federation of Paralegal Associations or CLA/CP certification w/National Assoc. of Legal Assistants. - Highly desired
Associates degree (or higher) with paralegal Studies w/certification. - Highly desired
Notes:
Position is on-site, Monday thru Friday, either 7am to 3pm or 8am to 4pm, 1/2 hour unpaid lunch.
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status