PARALEGAL

Job Specifications

Class Code:	JC2
Analyst:	CE, MM, TC

Date Originated:	8/87
Date Revised:	5/97, 9/15, 4/22

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provide paralegal services; assist attorneys preparing civil or criminal cases; perform legal research; and perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is responsible for performing legal research and assignments requiring a professional understanding of law and legal procedure. This class is distinguished from the Law Clerk class in that incumbents in the later class are law school students or Bar applicants and work on a nonpermanent, part-time basis.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Research and analyze statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, ordinances and other documents;
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, motions, contracts, deeds, points and authorities, interrogatories, and drafts of legal opinions for review, approval and use by attorneys;
• Investigate facts and research laws to determine causes of action and prepare cases accordingly;
• May file pleadings and other documents with court clerks;
• Interview witnesses in civil and criminal cases;
• Assist in scheduling witnesses in legal proceedings;
• Organize trial documents, prepare exhibits, and assist attorneys at trial;
• May arrange support services for clients and/or their families;
• Assist investigators in gathering information;
• Analyze legislation and statutory and case law;
• Draft correspondence for attorneys;
• Write reports;
• Collect and analyze data needed for legal or administrative matters;
• Input, access and analyze data using a computer;
• Maintain law library and "auto brief" library;
• Maintain training materials.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of:

• Legal procedure, terminology, and documents;
• Principles of legal research and legal writing;
• Criminal or Civil legal processes and court systems;
• Principles of ethics and confidentiality rules related to legal practice.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems;
• Present statements of law and fact clearly, accurately, and logically in written and oral form;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Conduct investigative research;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with staff members, departmental representatives and the public;
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer;
• Conduct legal research utilizing automated research systems.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.

A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following.

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

   OR

2. 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.

   OR

3. A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform legal tasks.

   OR

4. A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.  This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Business and Professions code section 6450, subdivision (d):

Every two years commencing in January 1, 2007, any person that is working as a paralegal shall be required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics and four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in either general law or in an area of specialized law.  All continuing legal education courses shall meet the requirements of Section 6070.  Certification of these continuing education requirements shall be made with the paralegal’s supervising attorney.  The paralegal shall be responsible for keeping a record of the paralegal’s certifications.

Background Investigation: Positions in the District Attorney's Office and Public Defender’s Office must have the ability to pass a full background investigation, including a fingerprint check.

Other Special Conditions: Sworn attorneys may not act in this capacity and must be in an attorney class to act in court.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 05

Occupational Grouping: 06

Workers' Comp Code: 0053