Paralegal III (Part-Time Only)

Stanislaus County; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401a program

Job summary

Stanislaus County is seeking an extra-help/part-time Paralegal to support attorneys with routine case documentation and research. The role includes training at entry levels and increasing independence at higher levels, with potential for specialized unit work.

Positions are non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide; overtime and other shifts may apply as described in the recruitment materials.

Qualifications

• One (1) year experience equivalent to a Paralegal II in Stanislaus County.
• Certificate of completion from a recognized paralegal program or Associate's Degree.
• Degree in paralegal studies; OR
• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from a recognized law school.

Responsibilities

• Perform simple legal research, including locating statutes and cases using various legal research platforms.
• Review reports, including law enforcement reports.
• Draft motions, pleadings and points and authorities under direct supervision.
• Review basic legal documents and forms for completeness and conformance.
• Prepare basic legal forms, correspondence and reports.
• File and retrieve documents with/from courts.
• Update case and computer files.
• Maintain law libraries and update legal references.

Skills

Negotiations

Prioritize work

Summarize data

Draft legal documents

Advanced legal research

Prepare reports

Verbal communication

Financial calculation

Independent work

Education

Paralegal certificate / associate degree

Paralegal degree

Juris Doctorate

Job description

THE POSITION

The District Attorney's Office is seeking an extra-help/part-time individual to perform paraprofessional technical legal work and assist attorneys in processing routine case documentation. An incumbent is expected to apply knowledge and abilities in legal research, legal documentation preparation, and provide assistance in case preparation.

The Paralegal classification is assigned to various County legal departments. Paralegal I is the entry‑level classification in this series. Incumbents receive training, close supervision, review and direction in the completion of assignments. Paralegal II is the intermediate level in this series and incumbents are expected to work independently and complete more difficult assignments with minimum supervision. Paralegal III is the lead classification in this series, which works independently and performs the most difficult and complex assignments and is responsible for assigning, reviewing, and coordinating the work of other paralegal staff. Incumbents in levels II and III may also be assigned to a specialized unit and perform related duties and/or special projects as assigned.

To learn more about the District Attorney's Office,

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: November 16, 2026

Oral Examination: Week of November 30, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform simple legal research, including locating statutes and cases utilizing various legal research platforms;
• Review reports, which may include law enforcement reports;
• Draft motions, pleadings and points and authorities under direct supervision;
• Review basic legal documents and forms for completeness and conformance;
• Prepare basic legal forms, correspondence and reports;
• File and retrieve a variety of documents with/from various courts;
• Respond to simple requests for information and/or inquiries from interested parties;
• Obtain, review and summarize police reports, depositions, interrogatories and other relevant information;
• Update case and computer files;
• Special projects as assigned; and
• Maintain law libraries, update legal references and maintain inventory of materials.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Assist in negotiating settlements;
• Prioritize and assign work;
• Summarize data and information;
• Draft and analyze complex legal documents;
• Perform advanced legal research;
• Independently prepare clear and concise reports;
• Verbal and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work;
• Calculate financial information;
• Understand, interpret and apply advanced principles and practices; Advanced editing and drafting skills;
• Advanced editing and drafting skills; and
• Work independently.

KNOWLEDGE

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
• Legal document preparation techniques;
• Advanced research techniques and tools;
• Paralegal methods and practices;
• Civil procedures and rules of court;
• Litigation processes; and
• General accounting principles and practices.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year experience equivalent to a Paralegal II in Stanislaus County; AND
• Certificate of completion from a recognized paralegal program or Associate's D
• Degree in paralegal studies; OR
• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from a recognized law school.

Proof of education may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-5584 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS –

Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English sufficiently to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.