Class Code: PP106
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Paralegal I

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Paralegal performs legal, technical work for the department manager and General Counsel; assists in preparing for litigation; performs legal research; interviews witnesses; assists with the preparation of legal documents; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Paralegal is the journey-level class in the series. An incumbent in this class performs a wide variety of technical legal activities under the supervision of an attorney, exercising independent judgment in making decisions based on legal guidelines, processes or requirements.  This class is distinguished from the higher-level class of Senior Paralegal because an incumbent in the latter class performs advanced paralegal work requiring specialized knowledge of complex functions, policies, and procedures. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Assists in the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, memos, settlement documents, resolutions, and ordinances; and performs research and prepares draft legal opinions. 
  • Researches, studies, and applies statutes, case law, legislation, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, pleadings, briefs, and other documents. 
  • Prepares questions and interviews witnesses; prepares Santa Cruz METRO witnesses for depositions; prepares deposition summaries. 
  • Confers with Santa Cruz METRO Counsel, investigators, employees, and other individuals regarding legal matters. 
  • Attends court and other legal forums with Santa Cruz METRO Counsel as required. 
  • Files documents with courts, including reports, petitions, motions, briefs, ordinances, and other legal documents. 
  • Ensures all required documents and notices are filed or sent out within deadlines.
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes standard business computer software in performing job tasks.
  • May utilize specialized Santa Cruz METRO software.
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research. 
  • Statutes and codes applicable to civil proceedings and claims. 
  • Legal document formats and filing procedures. 
  • Hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Preparation of routine procedural and substantive civil litigation.
  • Applicable court rules, including drafting and responding to pleadings.
  • Pleading formats, citation style, content requirements, and local filing requirements.
  • Civil litigation calendar management.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.
  • Methods of maintaining information in digital or hard copy files.
  • Technical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting legal information.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
  • Time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Basic mathematics, including percentages and basic statistics.
  • Telephone techniques and etiquette.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Draft legal documents such as briefs, memos, ordinances, and resolutions.
  • Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal issues.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Communicate and present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically and effectively.
  • Interview and interact with the public, outside attorneys, and Santa Cruz METRO employees regarding discovery, case investigation, and trial preparation.
  • Interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files, and other privileged information.
  • Gather, record and summarize data in a variety of formats.
  • Maintain records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
  • Use good judgment, tact, and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Associates Degree from an accredited college in Paralegal Studies.

AND

Two (2) years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or legal secretary.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard. Work often requires stooping at the waist and the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects. Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate. 

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality of work related information. 

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Legal Technical

*Job Series: Paralegal

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: Yes