Paralegal, Public Records

To serve as a professional staff employee of the  State Police whose primary responsibility is to assist the Department's Legal Counsel and members of the Legal Office.

Job Duties :

Learn and apply the  Code to Access to Public Records requests for the determination of the release or denial of records

Research and analyze law sources, including statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal codes related to public records

Process incoming Public Records Requests within the allotted timeframe

Review and process law enforcement recordings with appropriate redactions per  Code

Prepare legal documents for review and approval by the Legal Counsel

Learn the  Trial Rules regarding discovery to non-parties

Coordinate assembly of documentation required as the result of subpoenas and discovery requests.

Maintain files and responsive records

Answer phone inquiries

Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with both members of the public and staff

Ability to learn various records systems and rules for usage

Other duties as assigned

Review the  Code and  Administrative Code to make proposals regarding potential language changes.  Perform other duties as required.

Job Qualifications :

Must be a high school graduate or possess and equivalent GED.

Must possess ONE of the following :

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of twelve (12) hours in law or paralegal studies; OR

Bachelor's degree AND a Paralegal certificate; OR

Bachelor's degree PLUS two (2) years of full time Paralegal experience; OR

Associate's degree in paralegal studies (with certification) AND two (2) years full time legal experience; OR

Certification in paralegal studies PLUS two (2) years full time paralegal experience; OR

Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) (as offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and be in good standing; OR

Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (as offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and be in good standing; OR

Certified Legal Assistant / Certified Paralegal (CLA / CP) certification (as offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants), and be in good standing.

Basic understanding of the Legal Research sites LexisNexis and Westlaw preferred.

Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Publisher.

Must be able to conceptualize and develop programs and procedures.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Must be able to proofread documents accurately.

Must have strong problem-solving skills.

Must be able to organize, access, input, file and retrieve information utilizing computer.

Must be able to work with minimal supervision, prioritize work and meet deadlines.