Civil Paralegal

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Come join a great team and make a difference through the work you will do

Clackamas County seeks a solution-oriented, inquisitive, motivated, skilled, and detail-oriented Civil Paralegal to provide complex legal research, analysis, and assistance to attorneys in the Office of County Counsel. This position conducts legal research, investigates facts, organizes discovery, requires extensive proficiency with document and file management software, and prepares complex legal documents in support of the attorneys. In addition to caseload management and processing, the Civil Paralegal will attend and assist attorneys at trial. 

The selected candidate must have civil litigation experience and be able to respond to questions from the public, county employees, management, other agencies, and other legal staff. The position is part of the civil litigation team and assists in the prosecution and defense of cases in state and federal courts in Oregon. 

The Office of County Counsel provides legal representation and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, county departments, county service districts, elected officials, and other authorities in relation to their official duties. 

As a driven Civil Paralegal, the ideal candidate to join the County Counsel team will:

Effective communication skills, both in oral and written form. Strong computer skills Strong grammar, legal writing, and proof-reading skills. Ability to handle stress effectively.  Ability to problem solve. Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to multi-task and reprioritize assignments as needed.  Strong communication skills.  Ability to work collaboratively. 

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

At least two (2) years of experience working on civil litigation in Oregon state and federal courts. Experience working in a legal office environment as a paralegal with primary responsibilities including the following: case management, docketing, legal research, document drafting, investigation, and discovery for a broad range of litigation. Experience dealing with legal documents such as titles, deeds, liens, notices, contracts, and court orders.  Experience providing customer service in a legal environment.  Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

Employment as a paralegal for a government body. Experience with civil rights litigation. Experience with employment litigation. Experience supporting attorneys at trial in Oregon state and federal courts. Paralegal degree or certificate Experience with e-discovery and trial presentation software. 

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Sets up, organizes, maintains, and monitors case files; locates, reviews, and obtains documents; updates files with new information and documents; organize, maintain, and index case files and documents.

Responds to telephone inquiries providing information about cases or procedures; communicates with parties, other agencies, county departments, and attorneys.

Organizes and maintains voluminous discovery documents in discovery support programs and software.

Provides backup to administrative staff answering phones, taking messages, drafting and revising documents, sorting and scanning mail and providing appropriate information to callers.

Drafts pleadings & discovery documents; electronically files pleadings and case filings in state and federal court.

Coordinates and monitors case progress or court process deadlines; prepares status reports and calendars; tracks issuance of subpoenas.

Code Enforcement - Prepare liens, demand letters, collect payment, as well as have discussions in regards to cases - proof read and file documents with court. Help prepare attorney for court.

Annexation - track process as well as postings, schedule board hearing.

Manages case files on all civil matters involving Clackamas County, including tax, land use, condemnation, torts & foreclosure.

Prepares legal correspondence, court orders, motions, answers, briefs, appeals and other legal documents.

Prepares discovery requests and responses; attends trials as resource for attorney. Meets with client representatives and attorneys regarding requests for production of documents.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Municipal and civil legal principles, concepts, systems, terminology; municipal law issues such as public meetings, public records, ordinances, contracts, and elections; methodology, concepts, and practices of legal research; techniques of negotiation, interviewing and investigative practices; hearing process, procedures, and evidentiary rules; practices and techniques of team work; English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; and computerized record keeping systems.

Skill to: Identify, evaluate and extract pertinent information from a wide variety of documents and sources including computerized; research statutes and legal references, and summarize research results into appropriate legal documents, ordinances, contracts, and memoranda; participate in team decision making; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare legal documents complying with office standards and legal requirements; organize and prioritize work to meet strict timelines; efficiently utilize computers and software to produce documents and conduct research; establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, county staff, witnesses, court officials, other agency personnel, and the public. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Civil Paralegal position is an “at will” position and serves under the County Counsel on an employment contract. 

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location.

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