Paralegal

This examination is being given to fill 1 vacancies in the Public Defender's Office and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies.

NOTE:

All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

NOTE:

Human Resources will only be accepting online applications for this recruitment. Resumes and paper applications will not be accepted in lieu of an online application. A completed application must be received online by the final filing deadline.

Studies, researches, and interprets laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs; assists in case analysis.

Locates and interviews clients, witnesses, technical experts and others regarding specific civil or criminal cases.

Briefs witnesses for trial, gathers and prepares exhibits and evidence for trial; assists attorney in preparation for court; accompanies attorney to court to assist during court proceedings.

Prepares a variety of legal documents including subpoenas, writs, complaints, answers, declarations, responsive pleadings, and points and authorities.

Reviews a variety of documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions, and other legal authorities; advises parties on requirements of document completion.

Summarizes police reports; depositions, interrogatories, evidence, and other pertinent case files.

Confers with investigators regarding evidence and facts; may participate in investigations.

Prepares correspondence and reports; conducts special studies and research as directed.

May maintain law library; updates legal references; maintains inventory of library materials.

EITHER PATTERN I

Education : Completion of an approved paralegal training program.

OR PATTERN II

Education : Completion of 40 semester units of law school.

OR PATTERN III

Education : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in social or political sciences or related field.

And

Experience : One year of paid paralegal work.

Substitution : Additional-qualifying experience may be substituted for the education on a year for year basis for Pattern III only.

Note: Supplemental application must be submitted with employment application.

Basic legal principles; legal documents and their uses; legal office procedures and practices; legal terminology; basic legal research and legal reference material; general County government functions and legal responsibilities; basic rules of evidence; general court proceedings; basic investigative techniques and procedures; interviewing techniques; computer terminology and forms; public relations principles and practices.

Understand, interpret and apply basic legal principles and practices; research laws, cases, and other legal authorities; express self clearly and concisely orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; effectively interview others; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).

Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Employees hired into this classification are members of a bargaining unit which is represented by SEIU Local 1021.

Health Insurance:
San Joaquin County provides employees with a choice of three health…