About the position
The Paralegal position at Durham County involves performing responsible paraprofessional work in assisting the County Attorney's Office with various legal tasks. This role is crucial in supporting the legal team through trials, appeals, investigations, real estate transactions, and legal research. The position operates under general supervision, allowing for independent development of work methods and sequences, which is essential for managing complex problems and time-constrained tasks effectively. In this role, the paralegal will engage in a variety of tasks including conducting legal research and investigations, managing public records requests, and representing Durham County in employment cases before the Employment Security Commission. The paralegal will also draft, review, and analyze legal documents such as complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, motions, notices, subpoenas, and jury instructions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards. Additionally, the position requires the review and editing of contracts, conducting closings for surplus real property sales, and assisting in the drafting and responding to discovery requests. The paralegal will maintain databases and shared hearing schedules, assist attorneys with case development and trial preparation, and coordinate witnesses and exhibits for court proceedings. Administrative support is also a key component of this role, which includes maintaining forms, standard operating procedures, and notebooks. The paralegal serves as a liaison between the County Attorney's Office, clients, and the general public, ensuring effective communication and support throughout the legal process.
Responsibilities
- Perform legal research and investigations, completing specially assigned projects and managing complex problems with rapid but error-free analyses.
- Assist County Attorneys in responding to public records requests.
- Represent Durham County in employment cases before the Employment Security Commission.
- Draft, review, and analyze legal documents including complaints, interrogatories, affidavits, motions, notices, subpoenas, and jury instructions, and complete cite checking in preparation of filing briefs and motions.
- Review and edit various contracts.
- Conduct closings for surplus real property sales and other real estate projects.
- Assist in the drafting and responding to discovery requests such as interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents.
- Maintain database and shared hearing schedules.
- Assist attorneys with case development and trial preparation.
- Maintain forms, standard operating procedures, and notebooks.
- Coordinate witnesses and exhibits for court.
- Serve as liaison between County Attorney's Office, clients, and the general public.
- Provide administrative support as needed.
- Perform related work as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or closely related field.
- Two (2) years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Paralegal certification or equivalent is required.
- Notary Public Commission within six (6) months of employment required.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with legal search engines such as Lexis and/or Westlaw.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
