Paralegal Specialist

PARALEGAL SPECIALIST -  Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a Paralegal Specialist to provide essential legal and administrative support to attorneys within the Administrative Section. This position plays a critical role in supporting DEP’s legal operations by conducting research, preparing legal documents, and assisting attorneys in hearings and trials.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide comprehensive paralegal support to litigation attorneys, including preparation and review of pleadings, motions, discovery responses, subpoenas, and exhibits.
• Assist attorneys handling appeals and complex litigation by organizing records, compiling appellate documents, preparing appendices, and tracking filing deadlines.
• Conduct legal research using applicable statutes, case law, administrative rules, and legal databases; summarize findings for attorney review.
• Draft legal documents, correspondence, affidavits, notices, and other legal filings under attorney supervision.
• Manage case files and electronic records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with agency and court requirements.
• Coordinate and assist with trial preparation, hearings, mediations, and depositions, including organizing exhibits and witness materials.
• Process wage garnishments, including reviewing court orders, preparing garnishment documents, coordinating with payroll and third parties, and tracking compliance and payments.
• Monitor case deadlines, court calendars, and statutory timelines to ensure timely filings and responses.
• Communicate professionally with courts, opposing counsel, internal agency staff, and external stakeholders regarding case-related matters.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws, rules of procedure, and agency policies.
• Assist with administrative and special legal projects as assigned.

• Knowledge of legal terminology, law, and legal procedures.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to draft and edit legal documents accurately.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisor, attorneys and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and ability to record information accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• At least three years of secretarial or office clerical experience, or
• Equivalent education/training substitutions: 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college coursework for each year of experience, or 720 classroom hours of vocational/technical training for each year of experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Must have a Notary Public Certificate.

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Candidates with experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and familiarity with environmental or administrative law are strongly preferred.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies.

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting…