Paralegal 1/2 Flex (PCN 021602)

$53,830 - $61,838/Yr

Unclassified - Anchorage, AK

Full-time - Entry Level

Anchorage, AK

About the position

This position is open to Alaskan Residents only. The Paralegal role is assigned to the Administration section of the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) and provides essential paraprofessional legal support while maintaining confidentiality between civil and criminal case information. The role is designed to assist attorneys and clients by performing various supportive duties. The position can be filled at either the Paralegal 1 or Paralegal 2 level, depending on the applicant's qualifications and job experience. It is recommended that candidates apply for both levels if they meet the qualifications. As a Paralegal 1, the incumbent will work under supervision and in a training capacity, learning to perform initial and ongoing conflict analysis and assignment of cases. Responsibilities include corresponding with contract attorneys, acting as an attorney-client liaison to ensure adequate client representation, and briefing OPA's Director and Deputy Director. The role also involves conducting legal research and drafting motions, with the expectation that the incumbent will develop the skills necessary to perform a full range of Paralegal 2 duties. In contrast, the Paralegal 2 position is a journey-level role where the incumbent independently performs conflict analysis and case assignments, corresponds with contract attorneys, and serves as an attorney-client liaison. This role requires the ability to conduct in-depth legal research, apply court rules and statutes, and compose and edit complex motions for various courts, including Superior, District, and Supreme Courts. Both positions may involve special projects as assigned. The Office of Public Advocacy provides legal advocacy and guardianship services to vulnerable Alaskans, advocating for abused and neglected children, providing public guardianship for incapacitated adults, and offering attorney services for various legal proceedings. Joining the OPA team offers the opportunity to enhance office skills and legal acumen while working in a supportive environment dedicated to advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional legal support and maintain confidentiality between civil and criminal case information.
• Assist attorneys and clients by performing various supportive duties.
• Conduct initial and ongoing conflict analysis and assignment of cases.
• Correspond with contract attorneys and act as an attorney-client liaison.
• Ensure adequate client representation and brief OPA's Director and Deputy Director.
• Perform legal research and draft motions.
• Independently perform in-depth legal research and apply court rules and statutes (for Paralegal 2).
• Compose and edit complex motions for the Superior, District, and Supreme Courts (for Paralegal 2).
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Formalized paralegal training resulting in a degree or certification or equivalent experience in a legal environment is preferred.
• Experience in interpreting, applying, and explaining rules, policies, statutes, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to type and format legal documents with minimal errors.
• Excellent attention to detail, including proper spelling and accuracy with numerical sequences.
• Time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure with numerous interruptions.
• Ability to objectively review and recount detailed accounts of alleged crimes and abuse.
• Successful completion of training under a formally established Paralegal 1-2 flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska (for Paralegal 2).
• Knowledge of State and federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements (for Paralegal 2).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience preparing, reviewing, or processing legal documents such as affidavits, court reports, and motions.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work as part of a strong team providing advocacy on behalf of vulnerable Alaskans.
• Free parking at the Anchorage office location.
• Proximity to restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Anchorage.