Part-time Senior Paralegal (Legal Assistant II)

Two units in the Natural Resources & Environment Section, Parks Wildlife and Trust Lands (PWTL) and Resource Conservation, are jointly seeking a Senior Paralegal to join their dynamic teams. This part-time (50%) position offers the opportunity for a great work-life balance while still participating in interesting and rewarding work. We’re conducting a search and seeking out candidates who may be the perfect fit. The PWTL Unit provides legal counsel and representation to the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and the Parks and Wildlife Commission as well as a handful of other, related entities (e.g. the Fish Health Board). It also provides legal counsel and representation to commissioners and staff of the Colorado State Land Board. The Resource Conservation Unit primarily provides legal counsel and representation to the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission and the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety.

 

The DOL is currently offering a sign-on bonus for new paralegal hires of $1,000. Eligible only to hires new to the Colorado State Personnel System   
 Sign-On bonuses will be paid based on the following timeline:
 $500.00 – Time of hire
 $500.00 – Time of certification (12 months after hire)

 

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
The paralegal responsibilities for the PWTL and Resource Conservation Units are covered by a total of 1.5 FTE. Together this part-time position and another full-time paralegal provide support for (a) 11 attorneys in the Parks Wildlife and Trust Lands unit; (b) 7 attorneys in the Resource Conservation unit; and (c) 3 attorneys supporting the Public Defender and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

This Senior Paralegal will provide professional support for litigation and general counsel attorneys in the two units, which in turn provide legal representation and counsel to several client agencies within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. In support of the PWTL and Resource Conservation Units, the successful candidate, along with the full-time paralegal, will assist attorneys by preparing them for hearings and trials before federal, state, and state water courts. These paralegals will also be expected to review and organize administrative records, format and proofread briefs, and provide other support as needed by attorneys. Additionally, these paralegals will be expected to coordinate and assist at hearings and depositions and to provide support during agency rulemaking, as well as assist with administrative enforcement matters.

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist attorneys by drafting and filing pleadings, proofreading and preparing other legal documents, citation checking, formatting, and other tasks associated with motions practice in court and before administrative boards/commissions
• Finalize draft orders, pleadings, motions, affidavits, notices, subpoenas, disclosure certificates, and briefs in accordance with legal requirements and court rules
• Conduct legal, technical, and factual research, investigations, and analysis in response to specific assignments; produce documentation in support of findings and recommendations
• Organize, guide, and expedite trial preparation by identifying and assembling exhibits and compiling evidence summaries and trial notebooks
• Compile and organize administrative records, including privilege logs as appropriate
• Assist in compiling agency responses to Colorado Open Records requests, including privilege logs as appropriate
• Assist with managing the rule opinion process
• Maintain office filing systems, including assembling and indexing documents and monitoring document production in all phases of litigation or administrative practice
• Interact effectively with client agencies and other legal representatives using knowledge of the court process

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions at the Department of Law, Natural Resources & Environment Section.

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.
Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification:

H5E2XX

LEGAL ASSISTANT II

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated. 
 
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution

One (1) year of paralegal experience

Substitutions

Two (2) 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 from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate

If qualifying under the substitution, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcripts. 

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.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, if you possess any of the following specifically include the details on your application, as this information will be used to assess your qualifications and may be used to determine a top group of applicants.

• Paralegal work experience in natural resources and environmental law, administrative law, or litigation
• Experience maintaining litigation dockets and administrative and court calendars
• Familiarity with rules in state and federal district and appellate courts and administrative processes
• Familiarity with Colorado’s water courts
• Training and experience working with ProLaw and Relativity
• Experience handling complex electronic and digital document formatting, organization, and management
• Ability to conduct legal research and draft simple pleadings or motions
• Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work simultaneously as part of a team and independently on specific tasks and projects

Required Competencies:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to research, analyze, and compile data
• Effective oral and written communication with internal and external customers
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Time-management skills, including the ability to multi-task and effectively manage competing priorities in order to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well with a diverse range of customers and work collaboratively on a team

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Members of the PWTL and Resource Conversation team work on a hybrid schedule and are expected to work in-office as needed, especially during trial preparation. Hybrid options will be discussed with finalists.
• Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is unusual but may be required.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.