Paralegal 1/2

Paralegals in the Court’s Self-Help Center primarily provide direct service to self-represented litigants and the courtroom. Paralegals may also, under general direction, provide support to the Court’s Office of Legal Research, which includes the preparation of judges’ orders; preparation, filing, and mailing of notices to parties; and general research tasks to support our research attorneys. This may include summarizing case histories, based on the court’s record, or performing file review for procedural compliance. If you are looking for an interesting and challenging career, that helps provide access to justice in our community, and comes with an excellent compensation package, consider applying to be part of our Placer Superior Court team!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, Paralegals assist Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) by identifying legal and procedural issues, identifying necessary legal steps to proceed in the SRLs’ case, reviewing SRLs’ file history, and answering general legal/procedural questions. Paralegals also research and analyze legal statutes and case law, prepare orders after hearing, assist with case management duties, and perform other duties as required in family, civil and probate law cases.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Paralegal 1 is the entry-level class in the Paralegal series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn basic paralegal duties. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. 

The class is alternatively staffed with Paralegal 2, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class. 

Paralegal 2 is the journey-level class in the series. Incumbents work with little supervision and are fully competent to independently perform the full range of varied and complex paralegal duties, which are analytical in nature.

The Family Law Facilitator, a court staff Attorney, a Unit Manager or a designee routinely reviews the incumbent’s work.

JUDGMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY                                               

Paralegals are assigned tasks specific to family, civil and/or probate law cases; incumbents must possess specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in legal and procedural issues and the ability to explain and communicate this knowledge to internal stakeholders and SRLs.  Incumbents report to the Family Law Facilitator, a Unit Manager or designee.   The Family Law Facilitator, Unit Manager, or designee, typically assigns the incumbents work assignments.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist SRLs from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds with completion of legal forms, one-on-one and in workshops.
• Interview and triage SRLs, assessing their legal issues and inform SRLs of procedural requirements and next step options.
• Assist SRLs by providing information about self-help resources, Judicial Council forms, local forms, and available community resources, via phone, email, video conference, live chat, etc.  
• Prepare orders after hearings.
• Assist Family Law Facilitator and a court staff Attorney with a variety of paraprofessional legal duties.
• make referrals to other agencies when appropriate. Enter data statistics daily into Self-Help Tracking and Reporting Survey (STARS) program. 
• Provide appropriate assistance to SRLs in the areas of Family Law, Civil Law, and Probate Law.
• Reviews Family Law Judgments, Adoptions and related petitions for compliance with statutes.
• Review of civil, family law, or probate files for compliance with statutes and the preparation of calendar notes and/or review for case management conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Knowledge Of:

• Court procedures and California rules, probate, civil and family laws;
• Legal terminology, rules of evidence, and general court proceedings;
• Legal reference materials and basic legal research techniques;
• Financial and accounting transactions;
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; and
• Legal forms and the content required for filing cases, including but not limited to probate petitions, conservatorships, guardianships, and family law, parentage, dissolution, legal separation, nullity and adoption.

 Ability To:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with those contacted in the course of work;
• Provide exceptional customer service in a kind and compassionate manner;
• Use interviewing skills to obtain information from SRLs to help them identify their legal issues and provide them with information and forms relevant to their legal issues;
• Review case files to determine status of the case and next steps;
• Write clear and comprehensive memoranda;
• Organize priorities and tasks with minimum direction;
• Operate standard office equipment including computers, copier, scanner, and fax;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with court staff, attorneys, and officers of the court;
• Meet restrictive deadlines;
• Prioritize, maintain and coordinate a heavy workload;
• Maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or Court regulations as required;
• Maintain proficiency in computer programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Essential Forms, Dissomaster, Xspouse, DCSS Child Support Calculator, and software programs relevant to case analysis; and

Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code §6450(c), Paralegals shall possess at least one of the following: 

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of a qualified attorney*.

• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of a qualified attorney*.

 * A qualified attorney is one who, for at least the preceding three years, has been an active member of the State Bar of California or has practiced in the federal courts of California.  Any experience under this provision requires a written declaration from the attorney stating that the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks to be submitted with their application for employment.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Prior experience in a law firm or court Self-Help Center
• Bilingual in Spanish

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job classification.  It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of personnel in all divisions and/or a location so classified, nor are it intended to limit the authority of supervisors or manager to assign or direct the activities of employee.

Salary : $69,181 - $100,381