Paralegal - District Attorney's Office

Job Summary

The purpose of this classification is to conduct research, to assist attorneys and judicial staff in court, to serve as the primary Grand Jury Clerk, to oversee and manage Open Records Requests, to manage/oversee Asset Forfeiture requirements, and to provide direction to legal assistants or other administrative staff as assigned. The District Attorney, Chief Assistant District Attorney, or Senior Assistant District Attorney will assign, and review said work in respect to the nature and propriety of the results.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions:

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Confers with management to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment.

Works as the primary grand jury clerk, preparing all necessary cases and documentation for each session of the grand jury; works with assistant district attorneys to ensure all necessary preparatory case work has been completed prior to each grand jury date.

Serves as the primary internal and external point-of-contact for all open records requests; ensures compliance with all open records laws; gathers, reviews, redacts and disseminates requested records in accordance with state law; maintains accurate records; oversees all publications; responsible for providing quotes/estimates to requestors of records in accordance with state law; provides all funds collected, that are associated with open records process, to the DA Operations Manager for proper fiscal accounting.

Oversees all Asset Forfeiture responsibilities; responsible for working with assistant district attorneys regarding compliance with state law regarding all aspects of asset forfeiture cases; serves as the liaison with local law enforcement regarding all asset forfeiture matters; submits reports to the District Attorney, and state and federal agencies, as required; works with the DA Operations Manager to confirm all funds have been collected and deposited into the authorized bank account, in accordance with court orders, for proper fiscal accounting.

Conducts preliminary investigations; reviews complaints and other pleadings; conducts research to determine appropriate jurisdiction; reviews rules of procedure and calendar deadlines; gathers and evaluates initial facts and documents; interviews clients; maintains all related documentation.

Manages document production; obtains and reviews all documents in client's possession; conducts initial review for privilege; confers with attorney to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production and litigation support, including reviewing, indexing, organizing, and analyzing documents; follows up on outstanding discovery requests.

Coordinates depositions; schedules depositions with client and opposing counsel; drafts, reviews, and serves notices and subpoenas; reviews and assembles documents; assists with witness preparation; retains court reporter; indexes and summarizes depositions.

Drafts and responds to formal motions and briefs; performs research and compiles necessary information for motions and briefs; prepares exhibits; researches and confirms validity of case history; reviews, proofs, and submits documentation to appropriate personnel; coordinates the service of briefs and court filings.

Maintains documents, forms, files, checklists, and knowledge of current court rules; maintains litigation docket when needed; maintains calendar of significant dates for case events, such as responsive pleadings and motions, court appearances, etc.; designs and implements case litigation systems as needed.

Participates in trial preparation and execution; prepares pleading, deposition and trial notebooks with key documents and witness files; organizes, marks and indexes…