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Paralegal (Bilingual - Public Defender)

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Pima County

1mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior (1-2 years)
  • Tucson

AI generated summary

  • You need an Associate's degree or ABA-approved paralegal certificate, two years of legal experience, and be bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • You will manage caseloads, conduct legal research, draft documents, analyze case information, liaise with agencies, uphold confidentiality, and provide administrative support to attorneys.

Requirements

  • 1. An Associate’s degree in paralegal, legal assistant, law, business, legal secretary, criminal justice, political science, interdisciplinary studies, regional development, communications or a closely-related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment or a certificate of completion in paralegal or legal assistant studies from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program at an accredited college or university.
  • 2. Two years of work experience performing paraprofessional-level work in a law office or legal setting as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Legal Secretary, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
  • 3. Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

  • Manages caseload involving specialized areas of law (criminal and juvenile) and recommends appropriate legal action
  • Compiles, coordinates and analyzes case information throughout all phases of case administration and initiates appropriate action to start legal proceedings
  • Plans, develops and organizes all phases of work, prioritizes sequences of work, monitors progress and follows-up to completion
  • Researches and conducts investigations of credit histories, locating financial data and place of residence using automated data systems and restricted access sources
  • Conducts legal research through the use of computerized legal research (Lexis and Westlaw) or statutes, U.S. Constitution, legal periodicals, law reviews, digests, legal encyclopedias, codes, regional and federal reporters, slip opinions and various case law
  • Updates or shepardizes case law to distinguish and analogize the case to the fact situation at hand
  • Identifies applicable statutes or rules that are in force and effect for the particular matter
  • Drafts routine and complex legal documents, motions, interrogatories, arguments, briefs, opinions, petitions, changes of plea, contracts and ordinances
  • Responds to motions, discovery requests, interrogatories, petitions, plea agreements, writs and orders
  • Coordinates between the assigned department and other governmental agencies to include out of state jurisdictions
  • Acts as liaison for attorney to the courts, law enforcement agencies, other county departments, clients and the public
  • Prepares memos and letters regarding attorney client privilege and confidential matters
  • Upholds confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards in all tasks
  • Provides administrative support to attorneys and legal staff as required

FAQs

Is this position open to applicants who are not bilingual?

No, this position specifically requires candidates to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

What is the salary range for the Paralegal position?

The hiring range for this position is $22.16 - $26.04 per hour, with a full range of $22.16 - $29.92 per hour.

What are the minimum qualifications required for this position?

Candidates must have either an Associate’s degree in a relevant field or two years of work experience performing paraprofessional-level work in a law office or legal setting.

Are there any preferred qualifications for this job?

Yes, being bilingual in English and Spanish is a preferred qualification for this position.

Will a prior criminal conviction disqualify me from this position?

A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County, but all applicants must pass a criminal history background investigation prior to appointment.

What types of tasks will I be expected to perform as a paralegal?

Tasks include managing caseloads, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, serving as a liaison between attorneys and various agencies, and providing administrative support.

Is there a specific application process I need to follow?

Yes, candidates must clearly document their qualifying education and experience in the application, and cannot substitute a resume for the application or write "see resume."

What is the selection procedure for this position?

The selection procedure involves an evaluation of education and experience, followed by interviews with candidates meeting the minimum and preferred qualifications. Additional assessments may also be required.

Do I need a driver's license to apply for this position?

Some positions may require a valid Arizona Class D driver's license at the time of application.

What is the commitment of Pima County Government regarding equal employment opportunities?

Pima County Government is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on various characteristics protected by law.

Pima County

Accountable. Respectful. Ethical. We A.R.E. Pima County!

Government
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees
1864
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

With a population of over 1 million people, Pima County is the second-biggest county (by population) in Arizona. It’s home to Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix. Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Pima County is known for much more than its spectacular saguaros and stunning sunsets. A day trip can take you from the desert floor to the mountains of the Coronado National Forest to the top of Mt. Lemmon, the southernmost ski destination in the United States. The county's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including government, education, healthcare, and technology. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is the largest employer in the county, boasting world-class researchers, top-ranked academic programs, and NCAA-championship caliber athletic teams. Pima County has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back thousands of years. It’s home to the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. In addition, 40 percent of the County’s population is of Hispanic/Latino origin. Tourism is also an important industry in Pima County, with attractions such as the Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Pima Air & Space Museum drawing millions of visitors each year. Other urban areas include Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Ajo, and South Tucson.