Paralegal-afscme 3696 (office Of The Public Defender) Various Locations

Cook County Offices

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of an Assistant Public Defender Supervisor and Chief, the paralegal performs a variety of specialized legal tasks for assistant public defenders.

Summarizes legal documents, performs legal research and reviews legal documents, pleadings, correspondence and electronic discovery.

Does abstracts of medical records, police reports, videos, transcripts, and trial files.

Composes legal correspondence, decisions, memorandum and other documentation as directed.

Communicates with clients as directed by the assistant public defender or assistant public defender supervisor.

Maintains records and files.

Researches state statutes and judicial decisions; provides support to staff to assist attorneys with evidence collection, responding to document requests, witness preparation, legal research, and brief writing.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Extensive knowledge and use of legal research databases.

· Criminal law knowledge.

· General knowledge of record keeping and report preparation methods, practices and procedures.

· Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Lexis-Nexis software and/or the latest software used for legal research.

· Ability to identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, and other pertinent material.

· Skill conducting legal research methods utilizing both paper and electronic resources.

· Excellent oral communication and writing skills.

· Strong database management skills.

· Ability to clearly articulate through written documents concise analysis of assigned case material.

· Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and to conduct oneself in a professional manner.

· Ability to be able to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines.

· Ability to gather information and communicate Office procedures.

· Maintains confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.

· Ability to work independently.

· Must be detail-oriented, able to multi-task and have strong organizational skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree or higher-level degree.

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience as a Paralegal.

-OR-

• Successful completion of a certified paralegal training program.

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience as a Paralegal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a certified paralegal training program accredited by the American Bar Association.

• One (1) year of paralegal experience working in criminal law, or local, state, or federal government.

Physical Requirements

Light Work

Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequ...