Paralegal

Assists attorneys with trial work, pre-trial litigation, and manages caseload as directed.*(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)*

Serves as the paralegal for the entire District Attorney's Office.

• Attend trial and assists with tracking of admitted exhibits and the presentation of evidence through closing arguments.
• Coordinate witness and travel arrangements for trial including but not limited to ensuring out of state subpoena process followed.
• Evaluates evidence and makes recommendations as to its use in court proceedings.
• Prepares court orders and motions in consultation with the attorney.
• Communicates with attorneys, parties to proceeding, and the public regarding status of cases and procedures of the court via telephone, written correspondence, and personal contact.
• Completes special projects as assigned by the attorney.
• Prepares Exhibits for trials, exhibit and witness lists, and jury instructions.
• Assists attorneys with litigation and trial preparations.
• Coordinate and attend pre-trial interviews with victims and witnesses. Prepare documentation as necessary for these interviews. Make recommendations as to use of any evidence in court proceedings.
• Locates material witnesses for trial, prepares and serves subpoenas, and monitors the status of these subpoenas.
• Conducts the extradition/detainer process including but not limited to, collection of documents necessary for processing the extradition/detainer cases, and monitors/tracks the status of these cases.
• Ensures all procedures are followed and deadlines are met. Maintains case files with proper documentation and paperwork.
• Provides Audio and Visual technical assistance to all District Attorneys, including multi-media conversions, redactions, and produces power point presentations for court use.
• Liaison between the Bad Check Restitution Program, the DA's Office and outside law enforcement agencies. Forwards all failed bad checks to law enforcement for further investigation.
• Processes all Consumer fraud, Elder Abuse complaints by working with outside agencies. Tracks/monitors these cases.
• Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.
• Must be able to work under tight deadlines.
• Cover County Court paralegal duties as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills during performance of tasks, duties and responsibilities that take place in this adversarial system. Must adhere to 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office tattoo, piercing, and strict dress code and grooming policy. This adversarial system includes contentious dealings (in person, by phone, electronically, or by written correspondence) with opposing counsel, upset individuals that may be defendants, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, or other members of the public, often resulting in mental and physical stresses.

Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills in reviewing and/or discussing information pertaining to criminal cases. These criminal cases require frequent exposure to assaults and murders, including, but not limited to, physical assaults, verbal abuse, sexual assaults (upon adults and children), and child abuse. The discovery in the cases will also require frequent exposure to gruesome, disturbing, and/or sexually explicit photographs, images and recordings.

Additional County Court Duties

If assigned to the County Court division, Paralegal will responsible for the following duties:

Monitor pretrial orders and attorney dockets, ensure all cases et for trial are properly endorsed and witnesses are under subpoena, assist attorney with pretrial interviews of witnesses for trials and generate memorandums for discovery when required, and ensure all reports, media, evidence, and necessary documents are obtained for discovery pursuant to Rule 16 obligations. Testify in Court if necessary. Ensure witnesses are called off their subpoenas when trial or hearing dates are continued. Assist all attorneys in researching and organizing global plea considerations.

May assist attorneys in the First Appearance Center as needed.

Cover District Court trials as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

**Education and Experience:**

Bachelor's Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate and two (2) years experience in legal work.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Licenses And Certifications

Paralegal Certificate (preferred)

Physical Requirements And Working Environment

This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

The District Attorney's Office allows for an increase in pay based on the following factors:

• A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment;
• A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance;
• An incentive system that pays employees based on the quality of their work or the amount of work they perform; or
• Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.
  
  

**This position is eligible for the Mesa County benefit package which includes the following;**

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Life insurance
• Long term disability