Logo

Paralegal II - Confidential (#RL0105)
$28.24-$34.32 Hourly / $4,894.56-$5,949.37 Monthly / $58,734.74-$71,392.44 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs journey level paraprofessional legal work in assisting attorneys in the preparation of criminal and civil cases; and does related other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level classification in the Paralegal series. This class is distinguished from the Paralegal I in that the I level is the entry level in the class series and performs more routine work with more immediate supervision.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  •  Studies, researches, and interprets laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs; assists in case analysis.
  • Locates and interviews clients, witnesses, technical experts and others regarding specific civil or criminal cases.
  • Briefs witnesses for trial, gathers and prepares exhibits and evidence for trial; assists attorney in preparation for court; accompanies attorney to court to assist during court proceedings.
  • Prepares a variety of legal documents including subpoenas, writs, complaints, answers, declarations, responsive pleadings, and points and authorities.
  • Reviews a variety of documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions, and other legal authorities; advises parties on requirements of document completion.
  • Summarizes police reports; depositions, interrogatories, evidence, and other pertinent case files.
  • Confers with investigators regarding evidence and facts; may participate in investigations.
  • Prepares correspondence and reports; conducts special studies and research as directed.
  • May maintain law library; updates legal references; maintains inventory of library materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER PATTERN I 
Experience: One year as a Paralegal I in San Joaquin County.

OR PATTERN II 
Education: Completion of an approved paralegal training program or completion of 40 semester units of law school; 

Experience: One year of paid work experience equivalent to Paralegal I in San Joaquin County; 

OR PATTERN III 
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in social or political sciences or related field. 

Experience: Two years of paid work experience equivalent to a Paralegal I in San Joaquin County. 

Substitution: Additional-qualifying experience may be substituted for the education on a year for year basis for Pattern III only.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic legal principles; legal documents and their uses; legal office procedures and practices; legal terminology; legal research methods; legal reference material; general County government functions and legal responsibilities; basic rules of evidence; general court proceedings; investigative techniques and procedures; interviewing techniques; computer terminology and forms; public relations principles and practices.

ABILITY

Understand, interpret and apply basic legal principles and practices; research laws, cases, and other legal authorities; work independently; exercise good judgment; express self clearly and concisely orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; effectively interview others; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.


CLASS: RL0105; EST: 12/4/1996;