Paralegal Associate (PT)

JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES

If you're exploring new career opportunities or seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment, consider Mercer County Community College (MCCC). As a publicly supported institution committed to open access and student success, MCCC strives to attract, retain, and support a highly skilled and collaborative workforce—our most valuable asset.

At Mercer, campus culture and belonging are celebrated, and our sense of community is deeply rooted in both our mission and daily practices. With two distinct campuses—the James Kerney Campus in the heart of Trenton and our expansive 292-acre West Windsor Campus just six miles away—MCCC offers the benefits of a robust institution with the close-knit feel of a true community.

In addition to meaningful work and a supportive culture, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes credit course tuition waivers for themselves, their spouses, and dependents—making higher education more accessible for the whole family. With 69 degree programs and 35 credit certificate options, there are countless ways to grow with us—both personally and professionally.

JOB DUTIES
The Part-Time Paralegal provides professional legal and administrative support to the Office of Human Resources, Labor Relations, and the Office of the President, with a primary focus on legal compliance, documentation, and records management. The role supports the preparation, organization, and retention of legal and employment-related records, assists in responding to legal requests, and contributes to maintaining compliance with College policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

This position requires a high level of confidentiality, attention to detail, and the ability to manage sensitive information in a structured and compliant manner.

• Provide part-time paralegal support to the Vice President of Human Resources, Labor Relations and Employee Development, the Manager of Employee Relations and Engagement, and the Office of the President
• Assist with legal research, document preparation, and records management activities
• Support compliance efforts through documentation, tracking, and file organization
• Assist in responding to legal inquiries, including interrogatories and document requests

• Conduct legal and regulatory research related to employment law, labor relations, contract review and higher education compliance requirements
• Draft, format, and organize legal documents, correspondence, summaries, and reports for internal use and review by College counsel
• Assist in the research, preparation and organization of responses to interrogatories, and other legal requests
• Maintain and manage document retention systems for employment, labor relations, contracts and legal records in accordance with College policy and regulatory requirements
• Serve as a liaison between the College and external legal counsel for document coordination and requests
• Support preparation of materials for negotiations, grievance hearings, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings through document compilation and organization
• Assist in tracking matters related to employee relations and Title IX to ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping (non-investigative support role)
• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard sensitive employee, legal, and institutional information
• Support audit readiness and compliance reporting through organized recordkeeping and documentation practices
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• None

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment
• Regular use of computer and HR systems required
• Position may require travel between campuses
• Occasional evening hours may be required

• Ability to perform sedentary work, including extended periods of sitting and computer use
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally or to carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of legal documentation, records management, and compliance practices
• Familiarity with employment law, labor relations, and regulatory environments preferred
• Understanding of document retention requirements and legal recordkeeping standards
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems

• Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a legal, compliance, human resources, or administrative support role
• Experience with document preparation, records management, or compliance-related functions
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or Legal Studies strongly preferred
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program
• Experience supporting employment law, labor relations, or higher education legal environments
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and public-sector employment
• Experience supporting legal documentation processes or compliance audits
• Exposure to Title IX processes or regulatory frameworks (documentation support level)

CORE COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.

Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

Culture and Belonging: Working with situations involving different cultures/languages and responding to the ambiguity of unexpected/unfamiliar approaches.

Customer Focus: Making customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relationships.

Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people.

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Mercer County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Mercer County Community College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.