Sr Paralegal

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by Quality Government

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.

Examples of Duties 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.

Typical Qualifications Minimum QualificationsAssociates 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. Supplemental Information 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:

• Environment: Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness. Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.
• 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.

Benefits

We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee! You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work? Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County. We offer Health Insurance (UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. That's less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; that's unheard of. Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense. We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist! Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues. 13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. That's 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off. Employer contributes 5% into your 401(k) - no match required. Enrollment in the State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%. Longevity pay beginning at five years of service. We provide a $10,000 Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees. Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care. Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.