Senior Paralegal (#RL0106)
$29.41-$35.75 Hourly / $5,098.02-$6,196.67 Monthly / $61,176.18-$74,360.00 Yearly

Under general supervision, supervises a unit of other Paralegals and/or other legal support staff and/or oversees one or more specialized programs in support of legal functions; assists professional staff in the preparation of criminal and civil cases; and does related other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the working supervisor level classification in the Paralegal series. An incumbent in this class may be responsible for providing supervision over subordinate legal support staff under the direction of an attorney and/or may be assigned to oversee programmatic operations of specialized department program(s). This class is distinguished from Paralegal II in that the Senior Paralegal acts as a liaison with department administration and crafts training for lower-level staff. Incumbents may be assigned special projects and/or may coordinate the most complex and difficult assignments within the department.

• Plans, assigns, coordinates and reviews the work of lower-level Paralegals and/or assigned legal support staff; reviews workloads to established priorities; ensures workloads are completed in a timely manner; participates in the selection process of subordinate employees. 
• Orients employees to office procedures; trains employees regarding specific tasks and work processes; answers questions from subordinates; evaluates employee performance; initiates and directs disciplinary actions as needed.
• Participates in department meetings with executive leadership regarding program policies; assists with determining department needs; develops and implements training programs for paralegal staff.
• Oversees and facilitates program services and activities in an effective and efficient manner; develops protocols, policies and documents that align with departmental objectives; works collaboratively with legal and/or clerical staff on assigned special projects.
• Develops program control objectives to measure program efficiencies; responsible identifying needs for program services; assists with implementing program policies and procedures; monitors program effectiveness by gathering, compiling, and organizing program statistics and records; prepares program status reports for executive leadership.
• Researches and analyzes law sources such as statutes, ordinances, court decisions, criminal pleadings, police reports, legal documents, and articles for use in the preparation of cases and for use of an attorney; assists in case analysis; advises parties on requirements of document completion.
• Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of subpoenas, writs, complaints, answers, declarations, responsive pleadings, points and authorities, responses to discrimination complaints, and related legal documents.
• Locates and interviews clients, witnesses, technical experts and others regarding specific civil or criminal cases; briefs witnesses for trial, gathers and prepares exhibits and evidence for trial; assists attorney in preparation for court; accompanies attorney to court to assist during court proceedings.
• Requests, organizes, transcribes, and shares audio, visual, and written discovery from other government and private agencies.
• Confers with investigators regarding evidence and facts; participate in investigations.
• May maintain law library; updates legal references; maintains inventory of library materials.

Experience: Two years of experience at a level equivalent to San Joaquin County’s Paralegal II classification.

Basic legal principles; legal documents and their uses; legal office procedures and practices; legal terminology; legal research methods; legal reference material; general County government functions and legal responsibilities; basic rules of evidence; general court proceedings; investigative techniques and procedures; interviewing techniques; computer terminology and forms; public relations principles and practices.

Understand, interpret and apply basic legal principles and practices; research laws, cases, and other legal authorities; work independently; exercise good judgment; express self clearly and concisely orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; effectively interview others; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Mobility—Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; occasional driving may be required; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Vision—constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity—normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking—frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to grief; Special Requirements—some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime.