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.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

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.

Physical Requirements

Light Work

Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job/occupation is rated Light Work when it requires: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight of the materials is negligible.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
  
• IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION "Are you a military veteran?"
  
• ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).
  

VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

*This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (8) (18).

COOK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER