Paralegal Jobs

Description

DEFINITION This position is under supervision of the General Counsel. This position will be responsible for providing assistance to the Office of General Counsel in handling administrative, legal and business matters and performing related work as required; assisting with the development and implementation of records management systems and composing and preparing legal and contract documents; providing administrative support to General Counsel and/or other departmental staff as directed by General Counsel.

Distinguishing Characteristics This position is distinguished by the responsibility to provide assistance at both a substantive as well as administrative level to an in-house legal department. The individual must be a team player who possesses the flexibility to be cross-trained on other areas and help wherever needed. The successful candidate must work well under pressure and respond positively and productively in an environment with rapidly changing deadlines and priorities and must exercise the highest level of confidentiality and discretion at all times, establishing and maintaining a role as a trusted resource for the Office of General Counsel and senior executive staff members.

The individual in this position is designated as a Confidential Employee as the successful candidate will be privy to confidential and sensitive information on internal District matters pertaining to the decision-making process on matters relating to potential and current litigation, labor relations and/or personnel and employment, and other items of general legal and/or liability concerns. This position is designated as "at-will" in accordance with the NCTD Employee Handbook.

Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the General Counsel and does not exercise any supervisory authority. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant's facilities, and other locations as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Compiling and reviewing responsive records to California Public Records Act requests for completeness, accuracy and applicable exemptions.
• Organizing, preparing and maintaining documents, reports, exhibits, agenda, and other related information for production, distribution, and presentation to the Board of Directors, client departments, opposing parties, and/or the public.
• Providing responsive, authoritative information to departmental representatives, opposing counsel, and outside agencies, as requested in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintaining files in District's case management database; including setting up/maintaining files, records, and indexes for ease of future reference.
• Organizing and maintaining contract files in the District's document management system.
• Maintaining and updating General Counsel's legal reference guides and court rules.
• Reviewing and summarizing data, legal opinions, briefs and court rulings.
• Reviewing District contracts, request for proposals (RFP), and invitation for bids (IFB) for thoroughness and regulatory compliance.
• Assisting the Office of General Counsel with receipt and disposition of subpoenas, government claims, and tracking response dates.
• Drafting memorandums, interrogatories, basic pleadings and motions, and written discovery and responses for review by General Counsel.
• Assisting General Counsel in performing other minor business or administrative functions relieving General Counsel of clerical work and details.
• Maintaining appointment calendars for General Counsel and scheduling meetings and conference calls.
• Reconciling and summarizing investigations, pleadings, and motions.
• Researching and compiling facts and documents, historical and personnel data, and records of deliberations and decisions pertaining to issues or cases.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

• Minimum 5 years prior directly relevant professional experience required.
• High school diploma or GED required along with:
• Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies or Paralegal Certificate from American Bar Association accredited program

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies or Paralegal Certificate (as per above).
• Licensed Notary Public in the State of California a plus.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36 month period and no DUIS's in the prior 7 year period.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements

• Superior writing and proofreading skills. Able to present arguments and factual statements on legal issues.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, and with a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Familiar with methods and techniques of research, legal principles, processes and practices, legal terminology, forms of actions, and procedures.
• Demonstrated above-average proficiency in computer software programs, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, Project Online. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems a plus.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; ability to analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations
• Familiar with Federal and State codes, laws, statutes, court systems, and procedures.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including exceptional knowledge of the structure and content of the English language such as the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Knowledge of current technology and trends in the profession.
• Treat NCTD employees, representatives of outside agencies, and members of the public with courtesy and respect.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at . A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range. NCTD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.