0000009798.PARALEGAL.PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking a Paralegal to assist attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery, and drafting of court papers. The role supports the law division and coordinates with witnesses and clients.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and two years of related experience; Certified Paralegal is preferred, with the ability to pass a background check. A formal at-will employment framework applies.

Qualifications

• Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a job related field.
• Two (2) years job related experience.
• Certified Paralegal preferred; knowledge of online legal research services; must pass criminal background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, orders, and other court documents.
• Interview clients in court to collect information and explain court processes.
• Assist with briefs to courts and trial preparation.
• Coordinate discovery and manage document review and production.
• Maintain litigation docket and deadlines for pleadings and court appearances.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Case management

Drafting pleadings

Interviewing clients

Discovery procedures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Two years related experience

Tools

Online legal research services

Job description

Job Description

Assists attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery, drafting of documents for submission to court, and other administration functions for the law division.

Job Description

Assists attorneys with research, depositions, trial preparation, discovery, drafting of documents for submission to court, and other administration functions for the law division.

Responsibilities

• Assists attorneys by drafting pleadings, motions, orders, case information statements, interrogatories, and requests for admissions, production of documents and examination or inspection.
• Meets and interviews clients in court to collect information, advise clients of the court process, schedule hearings and subsequent interviews and pass cases as allowed by the court rules.
• Assists with the preparation of briefs to courts and trial preparation.
• Meets with witnesses, coordinates the collection and review of witness files; gathers, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes factual data collected. Obtains written reports/analysis of physical evidence, injuries, issues, and financial evaluations from experts.
• Drafts outline for questions for examining of witnesses at depositions; reviews and assembles documents to be used in deposition. Assists with and coordinate discovery process to ensure that all relevant information requested be provided to opposing party.
• Maintains litigation docket, calendar, or tickler system, noting deadlines for responsive pleadings, motions, court appearances, and other important deadlines. Collects, organizes and maintains form files and repository and/or database for current court rulings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training:

Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a job related field of study. Two (2) years job related experience.

Special Requirements

Certified Paralegal preferred. Knowledge of on-line legal research services. Must pass criminal background investigation.

Disclaimers: This is an “at will” position with no civil service or other appellate rights. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Ability to sit for prolonged periods. Ability to lift and move files and/or property.