Extra Help - Paralegal I

Full Job Description

Applications will be reviewed by Tulare County Human Resources & Development.

As extra help positions become available, County departments with the job openings select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available.

The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of County departments in locations throughout the geographic county area.

Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June.

An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee. Applications will be active for six months.

If you are hired for extra help and you complete a work assignment and then you if you wish to be employed again, you must resubmit an Extra Help application online.

There are no benefits associated with extra help positions. See regular job specification for complete job duties and requirements.

Requirements

DUTY SAMPLE

• 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.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Completion of an approved legal paraprofessional training program.

Equivalency for Education:

• Three (3) years of experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents, preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law.

Knowledge of:

• Legal research methods, drafting legal documents, and opinion writing.
• Filing procedures and legal terminology.
• Legal ethics related to Civil or Criminal procedures.
• Legal office practices and procedures.
• Automated legal research methods and document preparation.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Read and analyze legal documents.
• Collect and examine factual data.
• Understand and apply legal principles and precedents.
• Write accurate, concise legal documents such as motions, pleadings, demand letters, contracts, resolutions, opinions, briefs, recommendations to attorneys.
• Explain legal actions/documents to clients in a courteous, patient, and tactful manner.
• Research legal references.
• Present verbal statements of fact and law.
• Perform computerized legal research.
• Establish effective working relations with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and the general public.
• Follow and give verbal and written instructions.
• Operate a personal computer and related software.
• Organize and maintain litigation files and calendars.
• Learn and apply the practices and procedures of the work unit to which assigned.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Collection procedures.
• Civil litigation procedures.
• Bail bond law.
• Meyers-Milias-Brown Act.
• Property Taxes.
• Public employee discipline process.
• Administrative law.
• Family law.
• Child Welfare law.
• Public Employee Subpoenas
• Public nuisance enforcement actions.
• Civil rights.
• Probate law.

Skill/Ability to:

• Prepare complex legal documents and brief with minimal attorney supervision.
• Direct the work of others.