Job Specification
PARALEGAL SPECIALIST STENOGRAPHY
DEFINITION:
Under direction, assists in the preparation of cases for legal
action, conducts assigned legal research, gathers factual
information, and assists in the preparation of legal documents;
takes and transcribes stenography; does other related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform
all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties
performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Gathering all relevant facts pertaining to the case in preparation
for trial.
Conducts legal research to identify laws, judicial decisions, legal
precedents, and other relevant case material and prepares report
of findings.
Prepares drafts of legal arguments and various legal documents,
obtains affidavits, and assists the attorney during trial or hearing.
Organizes and maintains reference files, collects and analyzes
evidence for hearings, and prepares informative or explanatory
material on relevant laws, and agency regulation and policy.
Researches and analyzes law sources such as statutes, recorded
judicial decisions, legal articles, constitutions, and legal codes
to prepare drafts of legal documents such as briefs, pleadings,
appeals, and contracts for the review, approval, and use by attorney.
Takes and transcribes stenography in a fast and efficient manner.
Obtains documents from appropriate sources.
Prepares reports, findings, surveys, and recommendations to
assist members of the legal staff.
Provides technical assistance.
Reviews and answers correspondence.
Reviews brief format prior to court submission.
May schedule cases for attorneys and assemble data and
information required for preparation of court cases.
Interviews clients.
Locates and interviews witnesses.
Drafts correspondence and pleadings.
Summarizes depositions, interrogatories, and testimony for review.
Examines case files and records; determines issues and
sufficiency of evidence or documentation.
Briefs attorneys prior to hearing or court appearance, assembles
and arranges case files, documents, and exhibits.
Attends court sessions or hearings.
Establishes and maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and computerized information systems
used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an
Associate's degree as a Legal Assistant or in Paralegal Studies,
or an Associate or Bachelor's Degree and a Certificate of
Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.
NOTE: A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree may be substitued
for the above education.
NOTE: Rule 1:30-20(a) prohibits attorneys that have been
disbarred, resigned with prejudice, transferred to disability - inactive
status, or under suspension from the practice of law in this or any
other jurisdiction from being employed as paralegals/legal assistants
in the State of New Jersey
NOTE: Two (2) years of experience in the preparation of
drafts of contracts, briefs, motions, affidavits, or other legal documents
and/or experience in the analysis of judicial decisions, legal opinions,
rulings, memoranda, and other legal material, and the preparation of
summaries of the points of law involved, may be substituted for the
above education requirement.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of legal principles and concepts.
Knowledge of the methods used to take and transcribe dictation.
Knowledge of techniques and materials used to conduct legal research.
Knowledge of legal publications and periodicals.
Knowledge of legal terminology.
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts.
Ability to conduct legal research.
Ability to read and interpret, laws rules and regulations and apply
them to specific situations.
Ability to review, analyze, and evaluate factual materials.
Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
Ability to locate and prepare digests of court decisions, precedents,
legal opinions, legal citations, and other legal material.
Ability to interview clients to obtain information.
Ability to prepare drafts of proposed rules, regulations, and opinions.
Ability to prepare materials for briefs, hearings, and reviews.
Ability to take and transcribe dictation.
Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording
and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English
sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language
or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable
accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 04785 | | L | C | | N/A | 12 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
1/05/2008 |
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