What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at The State Bar of California?

Office of Chief Trial Counsel

Annual Salary Range : $74,786 - $99,640

FLSA Non-Exempt / Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days per week

About the Office

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is the enforcement arm of the attorney discipline system. OCTC handles intake, investigation, and prosecution in State Bar Court of allegations that attorneys have violated the State Bar Act or the Rules of Professional Conduct. The office also receives, reviews, and investigates complaints alleging unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys.

The Ideal Candidate

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) seeks a Paralegal to perform work associated with the State Bar’s Diversion Program. The work includes, but is not limited to, reviewing diversion agreements between OCTC and attorneys and monitoring compliance with the terms of diversion agreements. Other duties may include conducting legal research; preparing exhibits for trial; preparing subpoenas for witnesses and coordinating trial testimony; attending trial to assist with exhibits, witnesses, and notetaking; and drafting legal documents, including discovery requests and responses, motions, correspondence, and memoranda. Must communicate clearly and effectively, be a team player, have strong organizational skills, and have ability to prioritize work.

Definition

Under general supervision, a Paralegal assists with case planning, development, and management, legal research, client interviews, fact, information gathering, drafting and analyzing legal documents, and collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information. Distinguishing Characteristics This is an experienced, journey-level classification providing paralegal assistance to other staff. Positions will generally report to a Supervising Attorney or Paralegal Supervisor. The work performed requires knowledge of legal concepts, principles, terminology, and procedures and the extensive use of legal reference material.

Examples of Essential Duties

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

Draft legal documents, including formal discovery requests, notices, interrogatories, motions, summaries of depositions, memoranda, and correspondence.
Assists with locating and contacting witnesses, prepares subpoenas, arranges for the interview and evaluation of witnesses, drafts witness declarations in proceedings and pretrial statements, and assists with the preparation of witness testimony.
Compiles and organizes trial notebooks, exhibits, files, and other materials and documents.
Coordinates the scheduling of witnesses, answers witness questions, communicates with witnesses regarding the status of their case / trial, coordinates witness travel and expenses, and assists with witness issues, exhibits, and note-taking.
Draft formal discovery requests and responses, including special interrogatories, requests for admissions, production demands, deposition notices, and motions to compel the attorney.
Analyzes records and disciplinary files and makes recommendations to the attorney regarding the disposition of files.
Performs legal research, including statutory and case law, drafts forms, research memoranda, proposed rules, orders, and other documents.
Prepares summaries of depositions and court transcripts, and witness testimony.
Monitors and tracks criminal and civil cases in California and other jurisdiction; investigate, gather, and review documentation and information.
Answers inquiries from the public by providing information and guidelines.
Performs several other similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this job description but are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of :

Basic principles, concepts, and methodology of legal proceedings and legal research.

Principles of legal writing and legal terminology.

State Bar Law, Rules of Conduct, and procedures as they apply to the performance of major duties and responsibilities of the position (to be obtained during the introductory period).

Problem identification, analysis, and evaluation.

Principles of effective writing and verbal presentation.

Business math for completing non-technical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Modern office practices and procedures, including using standard computer software such as Microsoft Office and case management system applications.

Computerized legal research system(s).

Ability to :

Prepare legal documents, including discovery requests, motions, and summary dispositions.

Extract and organize information from a variety of sources.

Organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Maintain confidentiality of State Bar documents and records.

Carry out duties in accordance with policies, procedures, and scope of responsibility.

Gather, analyze, and interpret data and information.

Review and analyze complex written documents and problems.

Establish and maintain effective and productive work relationships.

Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing.

Write effectively, clearly, concisely, and well-organized, using proper grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Travel by air and automobile as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a field that develops the skills required for the functions and responsibilities of the position.

Experience :

Two (2) year’s experience as a paralegal.

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements :

Certification of completion of an approved paralegal program.

Mandatory continuing legal education : completing four hours of legal ethics classes every three years and four hours of general law classes every two years.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.

Salary : $74,786 - $99,640

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