Paralegal - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Description: 

The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility located in downtown St. Paul seeks a full-time Paralegal.  The position provides support to the office’s attorneys in investigation, litigation, and other tasks and requires strong writing and analytical skills.  

Examples of Job Duties:

• Investigation:  Determine and obtain necessary information and/or documents for the evaluation and/or prosecution of a complaint; interview and assess the credibility of complainants and witnesses; attend meetings with respondents and others; prepare and maintain necessary file memoranda, correspondence, and chronologies; and assist the office's attorneys in determining the disposition of complaints.
• Litigation:  Assist in identifying necessary witnesses and exhibits; prepare exhibit lists and assemble exhibit notebooks; draft affidavits and declarations of witnesses; attend pre-hearing meetings and conferences; arrange for service of process; draft discovery requests and responses; and attend and assist at trials and other hearings.
• Drafting:  Analyze facts and circumstances; make preliminary determinations of rule violations and prepare drafts of necessary charging, dispositional, and other documents for attorney’s review.
• Administrative:  Respond to telephone inquiries regarding the disciplinary process, lawyer discipline histories, and individual complaints and cases; assist in the administration of probation files; and assist in other non-case related departments. 
• Bank Account Auditing:  Review and inventory lawyer trust account books and records to determine compliance; audit and analyze trust and business account activity; prepare memoranda summarizing audit findings; make recommendations regarding additional information to obtain.

Typical qualifications:

Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.  For the education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, court administration, or related field.
• Certification as a paralegal in lieu of an associate degree.
• 2-3 years of experience performing paralegal or technical legal work. 
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Complete working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of rules of court, opinions, related case law, statutes, legal guidelines, and policies and procedures relevant to area of assignment. 

• Knowledge of methods and procedures involved in drafting, composing, processing, and reviewing a variety of legal documents. 
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. 
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and multiple software applications. 
• Ability to review information and make determinations of facts and credibility. 
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes. 
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity and apply knowledge of specific laws, statutes, and rules to individual cases. 
• Ability to understand and follow instructions. 
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.
• Ability to learn professional responsibility rules, procedural rules and court and office policies. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people. 
• Ability to learn computerized programs. 
• Ability to work independently and multi-task, strong organizational skills, and an ability to prioritize. 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions with minimal direction. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in law, criminal justice, court administration, or related field.
• Paralegal experience supporting litigation. 

Salary:

The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $29.13 - $37.18 per hour ($60,823 - $77,632 annually). The full salary range for this position is $29.13 - $45.22 per hour ($60,823 - $94,419 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits:

Supplemental Information:

Position Logistics:

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB.

This position will be completed in a hybrid environment, where some of the work is performed in the office and other work can be performed remotely.  Access to a reliable internet connection is required.

TO APPLY: 

Complete and submit your online application with a cover letter and resume attached by 10/29/2024 at 11:59 pm.  All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.