TO Paralegal

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of Prosecutor, perform legal work as assigned by the Prosecutor. Provide general assistance to the Tribe’s Prosecutor in a broad variety of criminal and child welfare matters, including departmental organization, file system administration, document drafting, and legal and factual research. All department staff must adhere to mandated reporting laws.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing written policies and procedures for the operation of the Prosecutor’s Office.
• Develop and administer a comprehensive information management system that includes tracking incoming and outgoing mail, opening and managing files, work assignments, and status of files.
• Coordinate with the Information Technology Department for administration of the Prosecutor’s network server. Make recommendations for the purchase of computer equipment and software.
• Conduct training as necessary for departmental staff, or identify appropriate training opportunities including courses offered by the Tribal College, state or national bar associations or other professional organizations.
• Maintain current versions of the Tribal Code and Tribal Ordinances and develop historical versions based on the Legislative History of each law.
• Maintain Tribal Court and Appellate Court Orders and Opinions.
• Appear in Court on behalf of the Prosecutor as approved by the Judge.
• Perform and/or coordinate case management functions for litigation files handled by the Prosecutor.
• Conduct factual investigations and legal research with regard to matters being handled by the Prosecutor’s Office as assigned.
• Draft correspondence, pleadings, motions, briefs and memorandums as assigned by and for the approval of an attorney; make arrangements for the filing and service of such documents.
• Establish, maintain, and update files, databases, records, and/or other documents; perform routine analyses and calculations in the processing of data for recurring internal reports.
• Prepare motions, orders and other legal documents in Criminal and Child Welfare cases.
• Prepare pre-trial summaries in Criminal Cases.
• Prepare Criminal Complaints from police reports based on the charging decision made by the Prosecutor.
• Adhere to client confidentiality and comply with department policies and federal regulations under the Privacy rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations at all times. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image at all times.
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Contacts/Purpose of Contacts:

• Substantial contact with Prosecutors Office members, Directors and Managers of other Tribal Departments, Defense Attorneys, Tribal and State Court employees.
• Some contact with community members and general public.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of legal administration principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications programs.
• Knowledge of practice management and document assembly software packages.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to represent organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in the community.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with computer equipment.
• Required to sit for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally walk and stand.
• Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

• Normal office environment.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Travel may be required.
• Associate’s degree from accredited institution.
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Directly related work experience means substantive work experience of at least one year under the supervision of a licensed attorney or of a paralegal that includes at least 5 of the essential duties and responsibilities provided in this Position Description.

• Excellent communication, writing, research, and computer skills.
• Must be able to pass background check to meet the employment eligibility requirements as they pertain to the position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Formal paralegal education from ABA-approved program preferred either as part of or in addition to degree
• Three years’ experience as a paralegal.

License, Certification, or Special Requirements:

• Native American preference shall apply to all positions.