PARALEGAL - 40010701, 40000107

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The purpose of this job is to perform responsible paraprofessional work in assisting the County Attorney’s Office with trials, appeals, investigations, real estate transactions and legal research.

This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

TYPICAL TASKS:

• Performs legal research and investigations, completes specially assigned projects, and manage complex problems and time-constrained tasks with rapid but error-free analyses;
• Assists County Attorneys in responding to public records requests;
• Represents Durham County in employment cases before the Employment Security Commission;
• Drafts, reviews, and analyzes legal documents including complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, motions, notices, subpoenas and jury instructions, and complete cite checking in preparation of filing briefs and motions;
• Reviews and edits various contracts;
• Conducts closings for surplus real property sales and other real estate projects;
• Assists in the drafting and responding to discovery requests such as, but not limited to, interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, etc.;
• Maintains database and shared hearing schedules;
• Assists attorneys with case development and trial preparation;
• Maintains forms, standard operating procedures, and notebooks;
• Coordinates witnesses and exhibits for court;
• Serves as liaison between County Attorney’s Office, clients, and the general public;
• Provides administrative support as needed; and
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of legal office practices, procedures, and techniques.
• General knowledge of legal terminology.
• General knowledge of local law.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental functions, organization, and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and practices utilized in legal research.
• Advanced ability to perform statutory and case law research using legal search engines such as Lexis and/or Westlaw.
• Ability to effectively operate a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, research, and email software applications.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents with minimum to no errors.
• Ability to effectively maintain office and legal records.
• Ability to be extremely well organized, detail-oriented, and to perform work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and logically in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 

Requires an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field supplemented by two (2) years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
 

• Paralegal certification required.
• Notary Public Commission within six (6) months of employment required.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer