Paralegal/Uf

Paralegal Job Description

DUTIES

The Paralegal Underfill will be supervised by the Deputy of the assigned attorney team and will complete tasks assigned by any attorney in the office. These tasks will primarily consist of researching complex legal issues and drafting written responses to court filings, including addressing motions to suppress, motions in limine, and any other written documents as assigned. The Paralegal Underfill will also begin learning the duties of the attorneys in the office, including being trained on the completion of subpoenas, discovery responses, trial preparation, and the flow of files through the office. The Paralegal Underfill may also prepare and present cases in court under the supervision of an attorney using a 3rd Year Practice Certificate, if applicable.

The Paralegal Underfill will also assist in other paralegal duties as assigned, including appearing in court to handle morning arraignments and any other administrative tasks.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics. Paralegal Underfill may be promoted to Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, contingent upon successfully passing the Virginia State Bar.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Computer Skills - Able to utilize a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related software to effectively complete a variety of legal tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. Maintain data in our case management system specifically designed for prosecution and other advance software programs utilized by the Courts.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Time Management - plan and organize daily work routine. Estimate expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Implement work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and possess the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Judgement/Decision Making - can use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze and evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

Communication - can effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing, to include the preparation of reports, complex legal documents and other correspondence for distribution to Judges, attorneys and the general public. Can listen to and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires graduation from an accredited law school. Candidate must have taken the Virginia State Bar exam and be awaiting results or must be registered to take the next scheduled Virginia State Bar exam. Other candidates that may be considered include attorneys licensed in other states that are working to obtain licensure in Virginia. Previous internships in criminal law and candidates possessing their 3rd Year Practice Certificate preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time on the keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals, especially while viewing Axon videos.