Paralegal I

$45,760 - $70,574/Yr

Unclassified - Lincoln, NE

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Lincoln, NE

About the position

The Nebraska Department of Labor is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Paralegal I within the Legal Division. This position is essential in providing support to the legal team through various tasks including conducting legal research, scheduling, assisting with investigations, drafting and filing pleadings, docketing, and monitoring all casework. As a Paralegal I, you will be responsible for tracking bankruptcy cases from initiation to conclusion, alerting attorneys of any changes and filings, managing deadlines, and coordinating with other divisions regarding bankruptcy filings. You will also be tasked with notifying program staff about bankruptcy decisions and matters involving pending proceedings. In addition to managing bankruptcy cases, you will file bankruptcy paperwork using the US District Court CM/ECF system, draft various bankruptcy documents such as proofs of claim, stipulations, motions, and complaints. Your role will also involve preparing case files and exhibits for administrative hearings, monitoring cases, and filing necessary pleadings and exhibits. You will consult with attorneys to determine the appropriate course of action regarding bankruptcies, regulations, administrative hearings, and other casework, while also coordinating with agency staff and the public on legal matters. Your responsibilities will extend to assisting in the processing, planning, and project coordination of assigned projects, monitoring case correspondence, and preparing responses to inquiries. You will compile, review, and assess reports and records to identify the causes and impacts of your assigned caseload. Additionally, you will assist in the development and passage of agency regulations, prepare drafts, attend public hearings, and finalize required documents for adoption through the Administrative Procedure Act. Tracking and monitoring legislation that impacts the agency will also be part of your duties, along with notifying agency staff of relevant legislation, hearings, and bill statuses. As a Paralegal I, you will also be responsible for notarizing documents, investigating facts and laws of cases, and preparing legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and contracts for attorney review. You will summarize depositions and transcripts of hearings in preparation for discovery, hearings, or appeals, and coordinate activities of legal staff and employees. Furthermore, you will serve as the law librarian, ensuring that legal volumes are kept up to date, and conduct basic research and shepardization of authority while preparing memoranda summarizing your findings.

Responsibilities

• Track bankruptcy cases from start to finish; alert attorneys of changes and filings in all cases, manage deadlines, work with other divisions to alert them of bankruptcy filings, notify program staff on bankruptcy decisions and matters involving pending proceedings.
• File bankruptcy paperwork using US District Court CM/ECF; file bankruptcy adversary proceedings using US District Court CM/ECF, drafts various bankruptcy documents, including proofs of claim, stipulations, motions, complaints, adversary proceedings, etc.
• Prepare case files and exhibits for administrative hearings; monitor cases, prepare, and file pleadings and exhibits.
• Consult with attorneys to determine course of action regarding bankruptcies, regulations, administrative hearings, and other case work.
• Coordinate with agency staff and public on agency legal matters.
• Assist in the processing, planning and project coordination of assigned projects.
• Monitor case correspondence, consult with attorneys, gather exhibits and documents, and prepare responses to inquiries.
• Compile, review, and assess reports and records to identify the cause and impact of assigned caseload.
• Assist in the development and passage of agency regulations, including preparing drafts, attending public hearings, preparing, and finalizing required documents for adoption through the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Track and monitor legislation that will impact agency.
• Assist in notifying agency staff of legislation tracked, hearings held, and bills passed. Alert staff of all changes in bill status.
• Notarize documents.
• Investigate facts and law of case to determine causes of action and case preparation including but not limited to interviews of witnesses, or taking sworn statements, gathering of information or documents.
• Develop and maintain documents and maintain and manage document systems for cases.
• Draft interrogatories, requests for admissions or production and discovery documents or answers thereto.
• Write legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, contracts, buy-sell agreements, amended articles for review, approval, and use by an attorney.
• Summarize depositions and transcripts of hearings in preparation for discovery, hearings, or appeals.
• Deliver or direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties of action.
• Coordinate activities of legal staff and employees.
• Serve as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring legal volumes are up to date.
• Write basic research and shepardization of authority and prepare memoranda summarizing findings.

Requirements

• Associates degree in Paralegal Studies from an American Bar Association approved program at an accredited college or successful completion of a program at an American Bar Association approved paralegal institute. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Preference will be given to individuals with a Paralegal or Legal Studies degree.
• Three years current or prior legal experience in a legal office setting.
• Experience in civil litigation (APA appeals), bankruptcy (creditor side), regulations, and legislation preferred.
• Experience interpreting laws, regulations, and policy and procedures with regard to litigation, bankruptcy, legislations, and the regulatory process preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in civil litigation (APA appeals)
• Experience in bankruptcy (creditor side)
• Experience interpreting laws, regulations, and policy and procedures with regard to litigation, bankruptcy, legislations, and the regulatory process.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment