Paralegal Specialist

The State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Division of Real Estate and Construction Services is seeking a Paralegal Specialist to join our team located at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut. This position offers a 40 hour work week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The individual selected to fill this role will be part of the Division's Legal Unit, which provides legal services for the Division's real estate transactions and capital project construction projects. This unit consists of three (3) attorneys and one (1)paralegal specialist.

Our mission at the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), is to strive to promote timely, fair, competent, cost-effective services to address the needs of state agencies, municipalities and the public.

We provide outstanding benefits, competitive salaries and a workplace where people truly believe in what they are doing. We’re committed in bringing passion and customer focus to all those with whom we interact.

If joining a committed and dedicated legal team is something you would enjoy, then we encourage you to apply.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. (Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. State employees currently holding the above title or those who have previously attained permanent status in this class may apply for a lateral transfer. Questions about these required documents or any other phase of this recruitment should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: Elena Vazquez, elena.vazquez@ct.gov.  

In a state agency, this class is accountable for providing advanced paralegal support in a highly complex legal unit. This class provides advanced technical leadership, research and consultation in the areas of preparing draft legal documents and draft decisions of highly complex cases; as a resource regarding issues, procedures, process and timeframe as related to cases and presenting legal matters as needed.

This position will be responsible for:
• Independently and efficiently performing a full range of legal tasks associated with the procurement, award and preparation of contracts for Construction Services administered capital projects;
• Reviewing and revising procurement forms, drafting or reviewing various consultant (architect, engineer, construction administrator, etc.) and construction (construction manager at risk, design-build, and design-bid-build) contracts.

In order to successfully perform such work, the incumbent must have knowledge and experience with contract preparation, contract terminology and requirements, and interpreting and applying statutes and regulations. The position requires interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills as the incumbent will work closely with legal and project management staffs on contract documents, as well as act as liaison between the Department and the Office of the Attorney General, State Properties Review Board, consultants and contractors. The incumbent, in additions, must have computer skills and the ability to utilize computer software for electronic review of documents, record storage and online procurement processes.

Considerable knowledge of legal processes and procedures; considerable knowledge of legal terminology and legal forms; considerable knowledge of legal research techniques; knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation; considerable skill in fact finding techniques including interviewing clients and compiling evidence; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to evaluate pertinent facts, cases and evidence and compile and assemble such legal data; considerable ability to compose correspondence and draft legal documents; ability to understand complex laws and related reports; ability to utilize computer software.

The General Experience is defined as one of the following:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in legal studies and one (1) year of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney.

2. An Associate’s degree in legal studies and three (3) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney.

3. Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program approved by the American Bar Association and three (3) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney.

4. Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program consisting of a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney.

5. Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program from a business school approved by the State of Connecticut, Office of Higher Education and four (4) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney.

6. A Law degree from an accredited Law School.

The successful candidate will possess:
• 3 years’ of experience drafting and reviewing construction and consultant contracts;
• Experience reviewing and interpreting statutes and regulations;
• Experience communicating and interacting with attorneys, staff and the public;
• Experience processing contract documents electronically;
• Proven record working independently meeting deadlines.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.