Paralegal – $1000 Sign-On Bonus!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

This Paralegal will work under the supervision of attorneys, with guidance from more senior paralegals, to provide professional and technical assistance to the Unit’s attorneys. We are looking for someone with a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and the desire to work in an environment that is fast paced, but also fun and interesting. This position is for you if you are excited about adding value to your team and your clients. The successful candidate will be able to absorb instructions quickly and put them into action without hesitation. They will be a go-getter with a desire to support their team, improve systems and processes, and take meaningful ownership of every project and task assigned to them. If you like to roll up your sleeves and you take pride in your work, please apply!

Duties include:

• Reviews, processes and tracks incoming cases using case management systems, entering contacts, attorney and paralegal assignments and other information as appropriate; flags any issues regarding cases for attorneys and researches issues to determine appropriate follow-up.
• Collects, reviews, organizes and analyzes documents and records from clients for mandatory disclosures and discovery responses; assembles, organizes and catalogs discovery and pleadings; and creates corresponding computerized indexes. Prepares mandatory disclosures. Files pleadings and motions following appropriate procedures; enters settlement data into case management system; monitors filings and other deadlines; and closes case files.
• Communicates orally and in writing with clients, court and agency personnel, witnesses, parties, and counsel of record to obtain information and keep interested parties and attorneys apprised of matter status. Makes arrangements for collection and reproduction of documents; coordinates with client, attorneys, and other departmental sources to ensure collection, disbursement and receipt of documents within reasonable timeframes and in compliance with case deadlines. Ensures compliance with privilege and confidentiality requirements. Assists in managing systems used for exchanging documents and records with clients, ensures security standards are met for document sharing and storage, and removes outdated information from systems as appropriate.
• Prepares for hearings by contacting witnesses; drafts notices of depositions and schedules depositions; arranges and attends depositions and meetings as requested by attorney.
  • Schedules hearings; researches and calendars pre-hearings and post-hearing deadlines; identifies and prepares exhibits and trial notebooks; and develops and assists with demonstrative and electronic exhibit presentations.
  • Monitors outgoing pleadings and motions, incoming pleadings, motions, and orders and updates the case management calendars and unit trial calendar accordingly.
• Reviews, assigns, processes, and tracks requests to and from clients for matters and general counsel advice regarding corrections and public safety matters; investigates facts and circumstances surrounding the events discussed in pleadings filed against the CDOC, the Parole Board, and CDPS. Provides litigation support by researching the rules and procedures required by each judge and/or magistrate, trial preparation, and interfacing with other legal representatives, client agencies, and the public.
• Performs independent legal research in various areas of law relating to evidentiary and procedural issues and legislative history as assigned by attorneys.
  • Assists attorneys in preparation of legal pleadings and briefs; redacts documents as needed; cite checks and proofreads; drafts basic motions and pleadings under an attorney’s supervision.
  • Prepares pleadings for filing based on court rules, agency standards and regulations, and Department of Law guidelines.
• Determines the best resources to use to conduct research for each assigned project. Determines how to gather relevant information and the format in which to communicate these conclusions to the assigning attorney.

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

This recruitment may be used to fill other Paralegal positions in the Department of Law.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a dynamic individual who thrives in fast paced, fun, collaborative environments and enjoys owning your own projects and look for new ways to add value to their team and clients.

Minimum Qualifications: 
Qualified applicants must have a Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution.

Substitutions: Two years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate. A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate.

Necessary Competencies: Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will demonstrate:

• A growth mindset.
• Positive attitude and a desire to learn from their colleagues.
• Deep investment in their work, with ownership over their projects and a deep desire to add value to the team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced work environment.
• Relevant State of Colorado experience in a paralegal capacity.

Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

• Effective August 15, 2022, this position will require documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. New employees will be required to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination within three (3) business days of hire. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. in the event of serial testing, religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vaccination guidance.