Paralegal Associate - Legal

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Perform entry-level legal support services under the close supervision of a county attorney and/or lead paralegal. Assist in preparing routine legal documents, conducting basic research, and maintaining case files. Work emphasizes learning and applying legal procedures while supporting more experienced staff in legal case management.

• Assist in drafting routine legal correspondence and standard forms for attorney review.

• Prepare summonses, subpoenas, and notices using templates and established procedures.

• File legal documents with courts and agencies as directed.

• Ensure proper documentation and organization of case actions.

• May assist with drafting discovery responses.

• Gather basic information, records, and supporting documentation for legal matters.

• Assist with preliminary fact-finding by reviewing records and compiling summaries.

• Maintain and organize case files, including correspondence and supporting materials.

• Enter data and update tracking systems for legal cases and projects.

• Serve as a primary contact for the county for Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests.

• Monitor and manage the IPRA portal for tracking pending responses.

• Review requests for clarity, scope, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.

• Communicate with requestors to acknowledge receipt, clarify needs, and provide status updates.

• Coordinate with departments to gather, review, and compile responsive records.

• Ensure records are reviewed, collaborate with legal counsel as necessary, for confidentiality, exemptions, and legal compliance prior to release.

• Communicate with requestors within required timelines.

• Provide training and guidance to staff on records request procedures and requirements.

• Monitor deadlines and escalate issues as needed to ensure timely resolution.

• Obtain information and documentation from internal clients at attorney or senior paralegal direction.

• Provide routine status updates on case actions, referring complex inquiries to senior staff.

• Assist in coordinating communications with external counsel and outside agencies.

• Maintain records related to legal matters in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements.

• Receive and screen correspondence, visitors, and telephone calls; refer inquiries as appropriate.

• Perform routine office functions such as scheduling, correspondence, and file maintenance as appropriate.

• Support administrative tasks that contribute to efficient legal operations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties as assigned.

A. Education. Associate degree in Paralegal studies, Office Administration, Business Administration, English, Communication or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.

B. Experience. Three (3) years of experience providing legal support or paralegal services, including experience drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and supporting litigation or legal matters is required.

C. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.

D. Licenses/Certifications.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background and driving record check. New Mexico Notary Public Commission required within one year of employment.

Knowledge of
:

• Legal terminology, forms, and procedures.

• Rules of civil procedure and court filing requirements.

• Legal document formats and standard correspondence.

• Legal research techniques and resources.

• Case management practices and document control.

• Public records laws and legal disclosure requirements.

Skill in
:

• Drafting accurate legal documents and correspondence.

• Preparing legal filings and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.

• Conducting legal research and reviewing supporting documentation.

• Organizing and maintaining legal case files and evidence.

• Communicating clearly with attorneys, staff, and clients.

• Coordinating schedules, tasks, and…