Legal Assistant I-III (Paralegal) Felony Trial Unit/Criminal Division

DelDOT; Georgetown (DE); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in the legal field is seeking a diligent Legal Assistant to support Deputy Attorneys General. This role involves vital tasks such as researching and preparing legal documents, maintaining case files, and liaising with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong legal research skills and the ability to draft legal documents. This is a Casual/Seasonal position, offering the opportunity to work up to 37.5 hours per week while contributing to the essential work of the Criminal Division. If you are passionate about justice and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in legal research and document preparation.
• Possession of an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies.

Responsibilities

• Support Deputy Attorneys General in preparing legal documents.
• Act as liaison between various parties and maintain case files.

Skills

Legal Research

Drafting Legal Documents

Interviewing Techniques

Case Management

Communication Skills

Education

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

Job description

Introduction

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State.

In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions. Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion.

Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.

Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Justice, Criminal Division, seeks a Legal Assistant (Paralegal) to support Deputy Attorneys General in the Felony Trial Unit in Sussex County. The general Legal Assistant duties include, but are not limited to, researching, preparing and processing legal documents such as discovery and subpoenas for the Deputy Attorneys General. The Legal Assistant is responsible for various paralegal duties in the preparation of assisting the Deputy Attorneys General in cases for trial, including victim/witness contact, scheduling interviews, obtaining reports and other information requested from police agencies; gathering and tracking statistical information for preparation of cases and maintaining case management databases; and preparing cases for grand jury. The Legal Assistant must be capable of working independently in a high-paced work environment but also be a team player.

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, approved to work up to 37.5 hours per week and is non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

1. Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
2. Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
3. Interviews involved parties such as clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, or medical personnel to gather discovery material, evidence for case preparation and to complete various legal and/or court documents.
4. Reviews various reports as well as other information such as police reports, medical reports, retail, surveillance, computer files/electronic documents, body worn camera and video/audio; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Deputy Attorney Generals; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issues subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment records; serves and prepares discovery; and makes required redactions for discovery and case preparation.
5. Reviews law sources such as case law, judicial decisions, statute law, codes, regulations, and legal and subject matter articles to ensure issues are properly cited and provides superior with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law.
6. Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. briefs, motions, indictments, information and appeals.
7. Provides reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
8. Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Legal Assistant I

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years of employment with the Department of Justice in a similar capacity.
2. Possession of an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program.
3. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
4. Three years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
5. Three years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
6. Three years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
7. Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
8. Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Legal Assistant II

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Five years of employment with the Department of Justice in a similar capacity.
2. Possession of an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program.
3. Two years of experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
4. Two years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
5. Two years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
6. Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
7. Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Legal Assistant III

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA approved program OR a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
2. Five years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
3. Five years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
4. Five years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
5. Five years’ experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
6. Five years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.

Additional Posting Information

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, approved to work up to 37.5 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.

Conditions of Hire

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call [phone]. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.