Paralegal Associate - Legal

Paralegal Associate - Legal (Finance)

Notice to applicant:
This position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date. You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc. Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

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.

1. Legal Document Preparation and Processing.

• 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.

2. Case Support and Legal Research.

• 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.

3. Public Records Coordination.

• 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.

4. Client and Attorney Coordination.

• 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.

5. Administrative and Office Support.

• 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, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position.

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…