Paralegal / Custodian of Records

New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Paralegal/Custodian of Records to support legal compliance and records management. This role involves coordinating responses to public records requests, managing subpoenas, and performing essential paralegal duties under the supervision of the General Counsel. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate, along with 2-4 years of relevant experience. Join a dynamic team committed to upholding legal standards and ensuring confidentiality in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and paralegal certificate required.
• 2-4 years of paralegal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act.
• Serve as Custodian of Records and manage subpoena responses.
• Perform legal research and report preparation as needed.

Skills

Legal Research

Report Preparation

Records Management

Confidentiality

Knowledge of New Jersey Law

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Paralegal Certificate

Job description

Title:

Paralegal / Custodian of Records

Department:

Office of the General Counsel

Reports To:

General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs

Position Type:

Staff

Position Summary:

The Paralegal/Custodian of Records will coordinate NJIT's efforts to comply with the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), attend to records management, fulfill subpoenas, provide litigation support, and perform other paralegal duties. This position, under the direct supervision of the General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs and the Office of General Counsel (OGC), involves diverse responsibilities that are privileged and/or confidential in nature.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs the duties of a paralegal when necessary, including report preparation, legal research, analysis, and related activities.
2. Serves as the University's Custodian of Records and is responsible for all statutory functions related to that role.
3. Responds to all OPRA requests according to New Jersey statutes and GRC guidelines.
4. Determines the validity of requests under OPRA and reviews records for exemptions, coordinating with various departments.
5. Reviews GRC's online announcements and attends seminars regularly.
6. Manages record responses to subpoenas and authorizations for the release of information, ensuring legal compliance.
7. Coordinates document production in response to subpoenas, including student records.
8. Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Affairs and OGC attorneys.

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program.
• 2-4 years of paralegal experience, preferably in a university law department or legal office.
• High degree of independence and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of New Jersey law, court rules, and OPRA preferred.
• Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Additional Information:

Bargaining Unit: Non-Aligned

Range/Band: 12

FLSA: Exempt, Full-Time