Paralegal

Paralegal

Requirements

• An associate’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or legal assistance
• Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or related work
• OR Associates in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience needed
• Bachelor’s or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies – no experience needed
• Bachelor’s or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate’s or Certificate of completion from an accredited legal assisting or paralegal studies program – no experience needed
• Valid Arizona driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials
• Assist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indices
• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation
• Perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible
• Assist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theories
• Assist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedings
• Maintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients’ families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related information
• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis
• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts
• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases
• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties
• Prepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documents
• Utilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedings
• Perform work in a high-volume, fast-paced, stressful environment
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court procedures
• Research legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneys
• Maintain case files and case logs
• Attend legal seminars, training classes, and position-oriented meetings on- and off-site
• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the criminal justice office