Paralegal, Senior

PARALEGAL, SENIOR (Job Code: 39095)

Salary Grade: 16 (Minimum $50,325  -  Maximum $81,024)

FLSA: Nonexempt

Essential Functions: 

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers; confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co[1]workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; and assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations.

Conducts preliminary investigations; reviews cases; conducts research to determine appropriate jurisdiction; reviews rules of procedure and calendar deadlines; gathers and evaluates initial facts, documents and evidence; interviews clients; runs and reviews criminal histories; enters information into department database; prepares case documentation for transfer as needed; forwards information to attorneys for prosecution; and maintains all related documentation.

Conducts discovery investigations; drafts and/or reviews interrogatories, requests for admissions, and requests for production of documents; coordinates collection and review of client files and documents; gathers, organizes, summarizes and analyzes data; drafts and/or reviews responses to discovery requests; locates and retains expert witnesses; prepares chronologies; and reviews hearing notices and publications.

Manages document production; obtains and reviews all documents in client’s possession; conducts initial review for privilege; confers with attorney to determine which documents to produce; organizes and manages document production and litigation support, including reviewing, indexing, organizing, and analyzing documents; and follows up on outstanding discovery requests.

Participates in trial preparation and execution; prepares pleading, deposition and trial notebooks 

with key documents and witness files; discusses court room etiquette with clients and witnesses; 

coordinates appearance of expert witnesses; organizes, marks and indexes trial exhibits; monitors 

and coordinates exchange of trial exhibits; manages evidence and equipment; attends jury 

selection; maintains jury information and details; and assists attorney during trial as needed.

Drafts and responds to formal motions and briefs; performs research and compiles necessary 

information for motions and briefs; prepares exhibits; researches and confirms validity of case 

history; reviews, proofs, and submits documentation to appropriate personnel; and coordinates the 

service of briefs and court filings.

Coordinates arraignment process; calls arraignment calendar; determines who is present; explains 

arraignment process; and meets with defendants to advise of court date and provide a copy of 

charges.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies or related field; three years of experience 

as a paralegal; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides 

the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s 

license; and must possess and maintain Paralegal certification.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established 

criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in 

referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as lead person or crew leader, providing guidance 

to a work unit, coordinating activities, and reviewing work of the unit..

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, 

maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in 

performing essential functions. 

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or 

advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and 

division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; 

and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as 

motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and 

principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in 

situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, 

as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA Compliance: 

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, 

but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of 

light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work 

station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse 

environmental conditions.

DeKalb County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.