Paralegal
Location: Largo, MD
Job Number: 08612
Salary: $43,460 - $93,748
Closing Date: September 3, 2024
This is senior level paralegal work in support of attorneys in the Office of Law and the MPIA unit. Incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of specialized tasks under the supervision of the County Attorney or other supervising attorney. Incumbents perform a variety of tasks related to client needs under the general direction and support of an attorney and/or paralegal supervisor. Most duties will involve assisting the County in responding to Maryland Public Informaiton Act (MPIA) requests. Incumbents may also prepare and review document, conduct interviews, perform legal and factual research, and perform related other legal related work. A significant aspect of this work involves working effectively and tactfully with people from a variety of backgrounds. Work is performed and evaluated according to established procedures.
About the Agency
The mission of the Office of Law is to provide the County government and its agencies, boards and commissions with cost effective, quality representation in all matters requiring legal advice and review, to diligently and fairly enforce the civil laws of the County, and to be responsible and proactive in providing legal services and advice to our clients. The Office of Law is comprised of three divisions, each of which is supervised by a Deputy County Attorney. The divisions are: Litigation, Transactional, and Government Operations.
- Supports the Transparency Unit for the Office of Law.
- Ensures that the MPIA requests are responded to in compliance with State Law.
- Supports the Transparency Unit of the Office of Law by assisting attorneys in responding to requests.
- Obtains documents from clients, assisting attorneys and clients in reviewing documents to ensure response to request is in compliance with the law.
- Performs legal research for attorneys using various resources.
- Researches, investigates, and provides legal opinions at the request of the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney, or Associate County Attorney.
- Drafts pleadings, other legal documents or correspondence for attorney review.
- Investigates cases, conducts interviews, and prepares reports under the guidance of the requesting attorney.
- Prepares and submits bi-weekly or monthly reports.
- Utilizes case management systems to track and complete assignments.
- Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.
- Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal studies.
- One (1) year of experience in an area related to the judicial/criminal justice system.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience which will allow the applicant to demonstrate the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.
- Associate of Arts degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Law or Criminal Justice.
- Knowledge and prior experience handling matters dealing with public access laws like Maryland Public Information Act, Freedom of Information Act or similar laws.
- Ability to work collaboratively within Office, with clients and members of the public.
- Ability to manage a large number of assignments.
- Clear and effective writer.
