paralegal i

The salary for this position is: $4,902 - $6,521 monthly.

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking highly motivated and qualified individuals to fill two (2) Paralegal I positions in the Criminal Division. In the Criminal Division, these positions play a key role in supporting prosecutors by providing advanced legal and administrative assistance. Assigned work may include assisting with office procedures, providing guidance to legal support staff, and managing daily workflow priorities. The Paralegal I may also conduct legal research, prepare summaries and draft legal documents for attorney review, and handle a variety of specialized, complex projects. The role requires a high level of independence, sound judgment, and the ability to manage responsibilities with discretion. 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Proficiently performs all duties of a Legal Assistant II.
• Types correspondence, reports, legal pleadings and other material with high standards of accuracy, style of presentation, completeness and correctness of content. Composes responses to routine inquiries from attorneys, agencies and the public. In support of litigation, may perform research on specific subject matter and summarizes findings for attorney review. Drafts legal documents for attorney review and signature. Reviews case documents for grammar and appropriate content.
• Assures proper documents are completed and filed in preparation of or as a result of legal motions such as written evidentiary motions, legal memoranda, summary judgments, supporting documents, findings of fact and conclusions of law, etc. Provides assistance and information to the public and witnesses regarding court dates and appearances on criminal cases.
• Performs independent investigations to collect and organize factual information related to criminal or civil litigation, potential litigation, or services to clients of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Such investigation may include interviewing potential witnesses and/or obtaining related documents. Analyzes facts to make preliminary determinations of legal action to be taken.
• Provides courtroom support to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney by organizing and preparing trial notebooks, exhibits, or other documents, organizing and scheduling witnesses, taking notes, and/or related tasks during trial or other hearings.
• Communicates verbally or in writing with opposing attorneys or parties regarding discovery issues, settlement negotiations, or other matters related to the litigation. May negotiate settlements in uncontested financial matters and secure agreements subject to the approval of a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Extracts information from case management and related systems to generate specialized reports. Researches, compiles, and completes special project assignments as assigned. Maintains statistics and prepares statistical reports.
• Prepares presentation materials and delivers educational and/or informational seminars to various community groups.
• Performs lead work duties including coordinating and monitoring staff workload, assisting in the planning of work and setting daily priorities, and developing training plans and training staff. Conveys supervisor's direction and instructions to subordinate personnel, furnishing explanation when necessary. Advises staff on supervisor's preference and requirements. Assists in managing office activities including responding to complaints and recommending solutions, being the first point of contact in resolving staff problems, and the frequent reporting on, and maintenance of, a positive working environment with respect to personnel problems, disciplinary matters, changes in assignment, etc. May make recommendations regarding hiring decisions, disciplinary issues, assessing work performance of staff, and providing input for evaluations to the supervisor. Devises and evaluates office procedures and implements changes subject to approval of supervisor. During leaves of absences, may assume limited duties of Legal Support Supervisor.
• Provides office administration support in satellite office by overseeing, ordering and maintaining inventory of office supplies, ensuring office equipment is operational, and calling in service repairs.

To view the full job classification, click here: Paralegal I

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Minimal physical exertion is required.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or court proceedings.
• Customer Interactions - Substantial contact with the public, departmental staff, and other County departments. May come into contact with individuals who are irate, argumentative and in highly emotional situations.

WHO WE ARE:

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office performs its constitutional and statutory duties by serving as a highly skilled and innovative legal team advocating for public safety, seeking justice in criminal cases for victims and those accused, representing the interests of children, and providing effective legal services to Thurston County government.

We are committed to being proactive in our mission by partnering with local government and community organizations to prevent crime, increase public safety, and support for victims. We recognize that today's investments in education, mentoring, and other support services for children and families will yield significant returns in the form of less crime, reduced costs for criminal justice and social services, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending