Paralegal-Self Help Center for Family Law & Probate

Under supervision of a licensed attorney, the Paralegal performs a wide range of legal tasks and may assist the attorney in preparing legal documents and delivering other legal services.  This includes conducting legal research, drafting various documents such as pleadings, judgements, orders and contracts, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Paralegal is a journey-level classification that is assigned tasks more technical and complex than those of a Judicial Secretary, but below the level of a  Research Attorney. The Paralegal performs a variety of sophisticated tasks, relieving licensed attorneys from time-consuming legal responsibilities, which can be appropriately delegated to specially skilled, non-licensed personnel.

Either I

Education:  A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association or from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses. The postsecondary institution must be accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

Or II

Education: 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.

Or III

Education: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject.

AND

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of law-related experience under the supervision of an active California State Bar certified attorney. A written declaration from this attorney stating that the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks is required.

Or IV

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent.

AND

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of law-related experience under the supervision of an active California State Bar certified attorney. A written declaration from this attorney stating that the applicant is qualified to perform paralegal tasks is required.  This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Knowledge of:

The mechanics of legal research; types and functions of basic pleadings associated with lawsuits; governmental application process, in particular the judicial branch, court system, and administrative process; civil procedures and rules of the court; the meaning of legal terminology; principles of correct and accepted grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and editing and drafting skills.

Ability to:

Read and understand statutes, court decisions, legal documents, and similar material; prioritize tasks and meet statutory timelines; identify legal parties in compliance with statutory requirements; read with comprehension and understanding; use effective written, verbal and/or electronic communication; diffuse challenging situations using effective interpersonal and customer service skills; reason logically; analyze situations accurately; compose and write explanatory memoranda and business correspondence; learn fundamental legal principles applicable to particular types of lawsuits; identify and apply relevant facts related to legal principles of due process; use computerized legal research equipment; operate various office equipment including computers; analyze and express facts in an organized and understandable manner; read, write, and speak English at a level necessary to understand and work cooperatively with judicial officers, attorneys, social workers, social services supervisors, clerical staff, technical staff, and the general public.

LICENSE CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT:

Continuing Education Requirement: Incumbents assigned to the Paralegal class are required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics every three years. Every two years, all paralegals are required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law. All continuing education courses must meet the requirements of California Law, Business and Professions Code, Section 6070.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This classification requires the ability to sit for periods of up to four (4) hours, stand for periods of up to four (4) hours, work on a computer for periods of up to four (4) hours, and the ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

OTHER REQUIREMENT

Must be able to pass a criminal history information background check.

Salary : $35 - $42