Sr Paralegal

Guilford County Government; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Guilford County Attorney's Office is seeking an experienced paralegal to assist in case analysis, document preparation, and legal research. The role supports county attorneys by gathering data, drafting pleadings, and coordinating staff activities.

The ideal candidate holds an Associates Degree with paralegal certification, NC Certified Paralegal, and may have a JD substitution. Strong research, writing, and organizational skills are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree and three years of office experience as a paralegal or lawyer.
• NC Certified Paralegal required.
• A Juris Doctorate satisfies the experience requirement and may substitute for the NC Paralegal Certification.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze research data such as statutes, decisions and legal articles, codes and documents; investigate facts and laws of a case and assist attorneys in the preparation of a case and departmental inquiries.
• Prepares full sixty-year title search for all real estate purchases involving the County which must show any previous owners, liens on the property, right of way, judgments, taxes, assessments and encumbrances which may affect the property purchases and the right of ownership thereto. Prepares a cover sheet outlining the title chain and gives it to the attorney making the assignment for that attorney's certification of title.
• Assists staff attorneys in trial preparation in areas such as tax foreclosure, liability claims, eminent domain with assessment of property damages, and delinquent accounts; gathers evidence, locates concerned parties, prepares documents for parties, arranging pre-trial interviews if necessary and gathering special information such as plats, property and construction drawings and, if necessary, during the course of trial, conferences or assigned project, secures photographic evidence.
• Reviews, edits and drafts various documents including reports, correspondence, pleadings, contracts, and real estate documents.
• Carries out legal research as assigned by all staff attorneys.
• Performs legal investigation for various county departments.
• Develops and organizes factual and legal information necessary to the proper handling of matters facing the County Attorney's Office.

Skills

Civil Rules of Procedure

Litigation process

Legal research

Written communication

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Independent judgment

Multi-tasking

Public records requests

Education

Associates Degree + paralegal experience

NC Certified Paralegal

Juris Doctorate may substitute for NC Paralegal

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Assist County Attorneys in the performance of a wide variety of legal duties and services in the analysis, organization and preparation of legal work, departmental administrative needs.

Distinguishing Features of The Class

An employee in this class is responsible for gathering and analyzing research data such as statutes, decisions and legal articles, codes, and documents; investigates facts and laws of a case and assist attorneys in the preparation of a case and departmental inquiries. Prepare and draft legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, affidavits, leases and other legal documents. Reviews, drafts, researches real estate transactions through preparation of Deeds, Settlement Statements and change of title. Assist in directing and coordinating office activity. Serves as back-up to department HR payroll representative, approving time sheets, maintaining calendars, coordinating court coverage, contract attorneys and intern schedules. Work is evaluated chiefly by results achieved, but also through conferences and reviews of investigation or research records and reports.

Essential Duties

• Gather and analyze research data such as statutes, decisions and legal articles, codes and documents; investigate facts and laws of a case and assist attorneys in the preparation of a case and departmental inquiries.
• Prepares full sixty-year title search for all real estate purchases involving the County which must show any previous owners, liens on the property, right of way, judgments, taxes, assessments and encumbrances which may affect the property purchases and the right of ownership thereto. Prepares a cover sheet outlining the title chain and gives it to the attorney making the assignment for that attorney's certification of title.
• Assists staff attorneys in trial preparation in areas such as tax foreclosure, liability claims, eminent domain with assessment of property damages, and delinquent accounts; gathers evidence, locates concerned parties, prepares documents for parties, arranging pre-trial interviews if necessary and gathering special information such as plats, property and construction drawings and, if necessary, during the course of trial, conferences or assigned project, secures photographic evidence.
• Reviews, edits and drafts various documents including reports, correspondence, pleadings, contracts, and real estate documents.
• Carries out legal research as assigned by all staff attorneys.
• Performs legal investigation for various county departments.
• Develops and organizes factual and legal information necessary to the proper handling of matters facing the County Attorney's Office.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Civil Rules of Procedure.
• Knowledge of the litigant system including court rules, processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and other applicable laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of public records laws and responsive requirements.
• Strong legal research and investigative skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents and correspondence.
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize numerous tasks.
• Ability to use independent judgment and handle confident topics.
• Ability to manage large projects.
• Ability to compile and review complex and extensive public records requests.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates Degree and three years of office experience as a paralegal or lawyer. NC Certified Paralegal required. A Juris Doctorate satisfies the experience requirement and may substitute for the NC Paralegal Certification.

Preferred

Associates Degree or higher in the concentration of paralegal/legal, municipal studies, public administration or related field. Advanced organizational skills, detail oriented, independent, demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment, ability to multi-task, accept direction, and prioritize to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional writing, analytical and communication skills and a talent for active listening.

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, or use of a PCs to accomplish work objectives. No specific physical demands required. Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present

Working Conditions

1. Environment: Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness. Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.
2. Hazards: Work presents no significant hazards to employees

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.