Paralegal I - District Court Unit (Internal Applicants Only)

Full Job Description

Supervisor: Kristen Anderson

Salary: Range - $37.97 (step one) – $48.13 (step ten) hourly*

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, our core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; an alternative work schedule is subject to supervisor’s approval.

Work Location: In-person/telecommuting - The primary workstation for this role is the Seattle Courthouse (KCCH), the paralegal may be asked to occasionally work at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) or Redmond Courthouse.

This position is required to be in the office two days a week and is required to work on-site for motions and trials, and any office-related duties that require an in-person presence to meet the operational needs of the position, unit, division, and overall mission.

Based on prior experience and training needs, you may be required to be in the office four days a week during the initial training period.

Requirements

• Provide administrative support to the District Court deputies that work in Seattle.
• Assist prosecutors in all phases of trial preparation (post-filing); prepare, type and process numerous legal documents.
• Daily calendar preparation in PbK; maintain PbK to reflect updated witness information and court dates.
• Generate and process witness letters and subpoenas; schedule and track subpoenaed witnesses for hearings in PbK.
• Serve as a liaison between victims and DPAs by sending restitution packets to victims, collecting restitution documentation, and providing all received materials to DPAs (via PbK) for case processing.
• Communicate and serve as a liaison with deputy prosecutors, law enforcement officers, defense attorneys, witnesses, victims, and other agencies.
• Coordinate and locate witnesses; explain legal procedures to victims, witnesses, and the public; request interpreters for trial testimony; and coordinate travel and lodging arrangements.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining records and assisting Vice Chairs for all Motions to Vacate in DCU.
• Answer phone calls and respond to e-mails in a timely manner.
• Assist LSP Supervisor, Unit Chair and Vice Chairs as requested.
• Perform related work or other projects as requested or required.
• Attend mandatory ESJ trainings.
• Additional responsibilities and/or tasks may be incorporated, or existing ones modified as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will perform a variety of tasks that require the exercise of initiative and independent judgment with the ability to anticipate needs and appropriately respond.
• Candidates must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with deputy prosecutors, law enforcement officers, defense attorneys, defense investigators, court personnel, witnesses, victims, and other agencies.
• Skills in responding in a positive, mature, and helpful manner with numerous individuals including witnesses who may be in various emotional states and reluctant to assist with prosecution.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to make decisions and initiate action.
• Time management skills to handle multiple tasks often effectively and accurately within short deadlines.
• Ability to handle emergency situations and work under pressure.
• Skill in using computers and a variety of software such as Prosecutor by Karpel (PbK), Word, Adobe Pro and Excel; familiarity with other criminal justice programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of legal office practices and procedures, particularly in the Mainstream Criminal Division.
• Must have demonstrated predictable and reliable attendance.
• Must be able and willing to accept supervision, feedback, and coaching.
• Commitment to Race, Equity and Social Justice work including ongoing cultural competence development.
• Desire to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.

Additional Information