DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE – PARA – LEGAL

Minimum Qualifications
Acceptable Experience and Education
Paralegal Associate Degree or an Associate’s Degree in a related field with three (3) years’ experience working for a law office;

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certificates and Licenses Required
Preferred: Paralegal Certificate from a professionally recognized Paralegal/Legal Assistant program.

Typical Duties
Essential Duties
Conducts research for criminal and civil charges, pleadings and other information in preparation for trial; drafts motions, orders, warrants and special orders for review and approval by attorneys or judges;

Responds to questions either by phone, in-person, or email on procedural issues; reviews, provides guidance in the completion of various applications or documents and processes;

Reviews for accuracy and redacts court orders; prepares trial notebooks; copies and files records; notifies attorneys of filings; contacts witnesses;

Consults with attorney staff regarding detainers and interstate extradition requests; calculates statutorily or court-imposed deadlines; ensures all deadlines are met;

Conducts briefings with attorney staff on issues raised in pending cases, including writ of habeas corpus, cases as well as the progress of the cases;

Maintains and organizes files and exhibits in preparation jury trials, non-jury trials, and administrative hearings; maintains various databases; maintains statistics regarding caseloads;

Attends depositions, mediations, pre-trials, jury trials; non-jury trials; bench termination trials and contested hearings;

Interviews clients, families, and/or witnesses; may perform investigations on claims; performs discovery of relevant documentation associated with open cases;

Prepares trial docket; prepares various motions, briefs, and orders for the court files; prepares various forms during court hearings;

Works with all aspects of E-filings may serve as office E-filing administrator;

Prepares financial calculations, pleadings and preparations as necessary for court appearances;

Maintains case materials; including case document logs, ensures all evidence for cases is accounted for;

Serves as a liaison with various other County facilities and departments;

Assists the public with inquiries and handles difficult customers and non-routine problems;

Substitutes, if assigned, for coworkers during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;

Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions;

Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field(s) of practice;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and

Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

Other Important Duties
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary
Summary of Position
The Para-legal under general direction provides support to assigned attorneys in necessary trial preparation and other legal matters or proceedings.

Additional Information
Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Texas Family Code & Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; Texas Code of Criminal Procedure & Texas Penal Code; Texas Rules of Evidence; United States Constitution; Texas Constitution; E-filing for Texas; the court system; legal terminology; relevant laws, rules and codes; principles and practices of interviewing and conducting effective interviews and investigations; the principles and practices of effective customer service; principles and practices of training and employee development; English usage; grammar, punctuation and spelling; bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.

Skill/Ability to: maintain current, accurate confidential records and reports; explain court processes and actions; keep composure in order to assist high conflict customers; be able to plan and execute work both independently and as a team member; calculate fees; display an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; display a high degree of self-motivation; self-accountability; time management; make sound decisions in an expeditious manner; operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records; maintain filing systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; be dependable; schedule, and train; to deal with the public courteously and effectively; work under stressful conditions, and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; type 60 wpm; Pass a Criminal Background Check;

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and
necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence