Job Specification Details

Specialized legal work involving case and document preparation, technical assistance, paralegal analysis, investigation, research, interpretation, drafting of legal documents and correspondence and other forms of assistance for attorneys. Duties include case file maintenance, preparation of notices and other legal documents, monitoring the progress of judicial and administrative hearings, and liaison with state agencies, law firms and others. Work is performed with considerable independence under the supervision of an attorney or administrative supervisor. This is the intermediate level paralegal position in state government. The work is similar but more advanced than the work assigned to the Paralegal I staff and the work is performed with more independence and less supervision.

Examples of work performed represent the range of duties involved with providing paralegal support to attorneys. Assists attorneys with preparation of legal documents, court cases, legal opinions and administrative hearings. Assists in the formulation or writing of policies and procedures. Assists in developing and drafting legislation. Assists in the promulgation of regulations. Maintains electronic databases for tracking cases and compiling statistical information. Drafts legal documents as assigned, prepares discovery responses. Corresponds with parties, attorneys, courts and the public. Maintains and notifies attorney of case status and court schedule. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are generally performed in office settings. Some work in the field could on rare occasions necessitate travel for which incumbents should have private means of transportation available. Some evening or overtime work may be required. Incumbents must be able to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deal tactfully with the public.

Working knowledge of court practices and procedures and the more commonly used legal terms and documents.

Ability to think clearly and analytically. 

Ability to gather, analyze and interpret legal data.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, court officials, attorneys, and the public.

Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative, to organize a heavy workload, and to provide technical assistance on short notice.

Working knowledge of legal procedures, principles, methods and terminology required to perform legal research.

Ability to draft and prepare responses to discovery requests.

Working knowledge of basic computer programs.

For positions in the Agency of Human Services: Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Associate's degree or higher in criminal justice, law, or related legal field, or paralegal certificate AND two (2) or more years of experience performing paralegal duties.  

OR

Four (4) or more years of experience performing paralegal duties.

For Positions in the Agency of Human Services, candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.