PARALEGAL - 40000106 (DSSLS DIVISION)

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government's Legal Department is seeking a Paralegal to support trials, appeals, investigations, and legal research in the DSS section, with a focus on child support enforcement, juvenile matters, and adult guardianship. The role works under general supervision, independently handling case files, deadlines, and coordinating with attorneys.

Responsibilities include performing legal research with LexisNexis and Westlaw, assisting in hearings and trials, drafting and filing motions

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field with two years of paralegal/related experience.
• Paralegal certification or equivalent is required.
• Notary Public Commission within six months of employment required.
• Experience in litigation and government law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs legal research using LexisNexis/Westlaw, assists in investigations, completes projects, and manages time-constrained tasks with rapid but accurate analyses.
• Assists County Attorneys in hearings and trials, including assembling case packets, marking exhibits, and managing documentation.
• Drafts, reviews, analyzes and files legal documents including petitions, motions, proposed orders, complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, notices, and subpoenas.
• Prepares and maintains case files; tracks statutory deadlines.
• Coordinates witnesses and exhibits for court; maintains records and calendars.

Skills

Legal research

Legal documentation

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal certification

Notary Public certification

Tools

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

Department

Legal

Date Posted

August 18, 2026

Closing Date

Until Filled

Hiring Range

$51,726 - $72,000

Position Number

40000106

Job Type

Full-Time, (37.5 hrs/week), Non-Exempt

Post Update Notice

This post is subject to close without prior notification.

General Definition Of Work

The purpose of this job is to perform responsible paraprofessional work in assisting the County Attorney's Office with trials, appeals, investigations, and legal research in its DSS section primarily focused on child support enforcement, juvenile abuse/neglect/dependency (AND), and adult guardianship matters. This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Typical Tasks

• Performs legal research using LexisNexis/Westlaw, assists in investigations, completes specially assigned projects, and manages complex problems and time-constrained tasks with rapid but error-free analyses.
• Assists County Attorneys in hearings and trials, including assembling case packets, marking exhibits, and managing various documentation.
• Drafts, reviews, analyzes and files legal documents including petitions, motions, proposed orders, complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, notices, and subpoenas, and complete cite checking in preparation of filing briefs and motions.
• Prepares and maintains case files; tracks statutory deadlines.
• Collect, organize, redact, certify, and authenticate records in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Assists in the drafting and responding to discovery requests such as, but not limited to, interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, etc.
• Maintains databases, calendars, and shared hearing schedules.
• Maintains forms, standard operating procedures, and notebooks.
• Coordinates witnesses and exhibits for court.
• Assemble financial documentation (wage records, payment histories, calculations) and prepare exhibits for establishment, enforcement, and modification hearings.
• Prepare juvenile petitions, motions to review, non-secure custody orders, and notices; monitor court plans.
• Serves as liaison between County Attorney's Office, clients, and the general public.
• Provides administrative support as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledges, Skills And Abilities

• General knowledge of legal office practices, procedures, and techniques.
• General knowledge of legal terminology.
• General knowledge of local law.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental functions, organization, and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and practices utilized in legal research.
• Advanced ability to perform statutory and case law research using legal search engines such as Lexis and/or Westlaw.
• Ability to effectively operate a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, research, and email software applications.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents with minimum to no errors.
• Ability to effectively maintain office and legal records.
• Ability to be extremely well organized, detail-oriented, and to perform work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and logically in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Education And Experience

Requires an associate degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field supplemented by two years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirement

• Paralegal certification or equivalent is required
• Notary Public Commission within six (6) months of employment required.

Preferences

• Experience in litigation
• Experience in Local or State Government law
• Experience with NC eFiling (eCourts) system
• Experience in child support enforcement proceedings or experience working in DSS legal environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Background Check Statement

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.