What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal I/II position at County of Riverside?
The Riverside County Office of the District Attorney is accepting applications for Paralegal I/II. This position performs a broad range of paralegal duties for one or more attorneys engaged in administrative, civil, or criminal law. Duties will include filing documents at all levels of California Courts, preparing/formatting trial and appellate documents, receiving incoming court documents, and disseminating them accordingly.
The most competitive candidates will possess experience supporting attorneys in civil or criminal litigation and/or experience in a legal setting.
The level at which the position will be filled is at the discretion of the department.
SALARY RANGE
Paralegal I
$30.15 - $40.77 Hourly
$5,225.42 - $7,067.14 Monthly
$62,704.98 - $84,805.70 Annually
$5,225.42 - $7,067.14 Monthly
$62,704.98 - $84,805.70 Annually
Paralegal II
$31.90 - $44.07 Hourly
$5,529.55 - $7,637.94 Monthly
$66,354.60 - $91,655.23 Annually
$5,529.55 - $7,637.94 Monthly
$66,354.60 - $91,655.23 Annually
Meet the Team!
The District Attorney of Riverside County, as the public prosecutor acting on behalf of the People, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, protects those victimized by crime, exonerates the innocent, and safeguards the rights of all to ensure that justice is done on behalf of our community. The office’s staff of over 700 is comprised of prosecuting attorneys, sworn investigators, victim-witness advocates, paralegals, investigative technicians, forensic analysts, and a wide range of information technology and supporting staff all committed to excellence and integrity in public service. We are, and we seek to maintain, a diverse workforce to match a diverse county.
Paralegal I:
• Research and analyze law sources (i.e., statutes, ordinances, court decisions, criminal pleadings, police reports, legal documents, and articles) for use in preparing legal documents (i.e., briefs, pleadings, contracts, deeds, opinions, etc.), for review, approval, and use by an attorney.
• Interview witnesses, defendants, and others in civil or criminal cases for pre-trial or pre-hearing declarations; respond to propounding discovery and discovery requests.
• Correspond with clients and witnesses; collect client background information; assist in the identification of rehabilitative placement resources; research and identify placement resources for alternative sentencing of clients and assist in the placement therein of clients.
• Draft motions, memoranda of points and authorities, interrogatories and answers, complaints and answers, cross-claims, affidavits, briefs, and declarations.
• Review legal documents and forms for completeness and conformance to specific requirements set forth in applicable legal codes.
• Review and process requests for criminal record background information in order to determine the existence or non-existence of prior convictions. obtain criminal record information and related documents and screen for legal sufficiency.
• Gather factual information and perform routine legal research to assist an attorney in determining appropriate legal action.
• Perform preliminary analysis of legislative bills and research legislative histories.
• Summarize, organize, and index prior opinions, testimony, depositions, and documentary material from interrogatories; organize and index trial documents; prepare exhibits and assist attorneys at trial by keeping track of exhibits, testimony and documents.
Paralegal II:
• Research and analyze law sources (i.e., statutes, ordinances, court decisions, criminal pleadings, police reports, legal documents and articles) for use in preparing legal documents (i.e., briefs, pleadings, contracts, deeds, opinions, etc.), for review, approval, and use by an attorney.
• Interview witnesses, defendants, and others in civil or criminal cases for pre-trial or pre-hearing declarations; respond to propounding discovery and discovery requests.
• Correspond with clients and witnesses; collect client background information; assist in the identification of rehabilitative placement resources; research and identify placement resources for alternative sentencing of clients and assist in the placement therein of clients.
• Draft motions, memoranda of points and authorities, interrogatories and answers, complaints and answers, cross-claims, affidavits, briefs, and declarations.
• Review legal documents and forms for completeness and conformance to specific requirements set forth in applicable legal codes; organize documents used in the prosecution or defense of suspects accused of major crimes.
• Review and process requests for criminal record background information in order to determine the existence or non-existence of prior convictions; obtain criminal record information and related documents and screens for legal sufficiency.
• Gather factual information and perform legal research not available through routine sources to assist an attorney in determining appropriate legal action.
• Perform preliminary analysis of legislative bills and research legislative histories.
• Summarize, organize, and index prior opinions, testimony, depositions, and documentary material from interrogatories; organize and index trial documents; prepare exhibits and assist attorneys at trial by keeping track of exhibits, testimony and documents.
• Act as a liaison to County departments and outside agencies; may serve as an immediate assistant to a senior or supervising attorney and may assist in the training, selection and evaluation of lower-level paralegals.
Recruiting Guidelines
Both Levels:
Education: Successful completion of the education required by the State of California pursuant to the California Business and Professions Codes Chapter 5.6 Paralegals 6450 (c).
Education Options:
(1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
(2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
(3) A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
** Proof of education must be uploaded with application. **Knowledge of: Principles of civil and criminal law and their application; legal research methods and techniques; preparation of briefs and opinions; resources available in a law library; trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence; County government functions and legal responsibilities.
Ability to: Perform legal research; interview witnesses; analyze legal problems; prepare drafts of legal documents; present statements of fact and law; argue clearly and logically in written and oral form; interpret applicable state and federal codes, laws, and statutes; work cooperatively with others.
Experience:
Paralegal I: none required
Paralegal II: One year equivalent to a Paralegal I with the County of Riverside or in a law office performing paralegal duties that demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities relevant to the specific assignment.
Other Requirements (both levels):
Must maintain a current paralegal certification or degree by certified completion of the mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) post-employment standards. The Paralegal series is required to certify completion of MCLE credits every two years pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code Chapter 5.6 Paralegals 6450 (d).
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment.)
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
Applicants who are current employees of The District Attorney of Riverside County and/or the County may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received.For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Andrea Evans at 951-955-3572 or via email at aevans@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 Business days for response to general inquires.
Salary : $62,712 - $91,645