Paralegal

City of Aiken; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Aiken is seeking a Paralegal to support the Solicitor/Staff Attorney with legal procedures and case management. The role involves organizing legal files, maintaining jury trial databases, processing discovery, and assisting with court calendars and jury selection.

The ideal candidate graduates from an ABA-approved Paralegal program and has 1–3 years of experience, with strong communication and research skills. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Teams is expected.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an ABA-approved Paralegal Training Program or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of experience desired or combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with judges, attorneys, staff and the public.
• Maintain schedules and deadlines with careful attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Teams and other computer programs.
• Knowledge of South Carolina criminal law and court rules preferred.
• Experience in legal research and writing desired.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, maintains, and organizes all legal files and court materials.
• Maintains database of pending and disposed jury trial cases.
• Processes discovery paperwork and uploads documents to Laserfiche, Teams or evidence.com.
• Sends discovery to requesters and redacts materials as needed.
• Schedules jury trials and maintains court calendars.
• Prepares letters to attorneys and pro se defendants.
• Assists in jury selection preparation and juror record keeping.
• Maintains DUI case calendar for administrative hearings.
• Updates discovery due/past due database for officers and cases.
• Purchases office supplies and submits reimbursements.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Research & writing

Education

ABA-approved Paralegal Training Program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Teams

Job description

The City of Aiken is accepting applications for a Paralegal to join our team!

This position applies knowledge of law and legal procedures in providing assistance to the Solicitor/Staff Attorney.

• Prepares, maintains, and organizes all legal files and court materials
• Maintains a database of all pending jury trial cases, all newly requested jury trial cases, and all disposed cases
• Processes all paperwork and discovery received from the Clerk of Court's office and ADPS Officers; scans these documents into Laserfiche; redacts discovery and prepares accompanying letters; uploads all the discovery (including video) to Microsoft Teams or evidence.com; sends discovery to the requester
• Schedules pending jury trial cases for roster meetings and trials. Maintains a calendar with all pending jury trial cases scheduled for court
• Prepares letters and correspondence sent to attorneys and pro se defendants
• Prepares for jury selections: compiles and organizes all criminal histories and driving records for all selected jurors, creates a spreadsheet with all pertinent information regarding jurors, and assists in the jury selection process
• Maintains a scheduled/calendar of all DUI cases scheduled for a OMVH Administrative Hearing
• Maintains and updates the database created by ADPS for all discovery due and past due from officers for all jury trial cases and Rule 5 requests
• Purchases office supplies and equipment as needed. Submits reimbursements and purchase orders
• Utilizes/operates a computer(s), facsimile, video equipment, copier, research tools/books, and other office supplies in the performance of activities

Other Responsibilities

• Assists in Court for trials, roster meetings, and daily court sessions
• Oversees special projects as assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney
• Conducts research assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney and prepares memos outlining the results of the research
• As other duties allow, assists the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney in processing and responding to Freedom of Information Act requests
• Other duties as assigned by the City Solicitor/Staff Attorney

• Graduate of a Paralegal Training Program (American Bar Association (ABA) approved) or equivalent, with one to three years of experience desired; or a combination of education and experience indicating the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position and a willingness to become a graduate of an ABA-approved Paralegal Training program.
• Ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and professionally to judges, attorneys, their staff, other City employees, and members of the public
• Capable of performing duties effectively and accurately while maintaining schedules and deadlines
• Skilled in applying a careful attention to detail as necessary to complete the essential responsibilities and duties of the position
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and other computer programs
• Knowledge of South Carolina criminal law, particularly Municipal and Magistrate Court Laws, procedures, and court rules preferred
• Experience in the areas of legal research and writing desired

This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.