LEGAL ASSISTANT / PARALEGAL

Position Details

Classification Information

Unit

Job Status

FLSA

Position Information

Position Title

LEGAL ASSISTANT / PARALEGAL

Reports To

General Counsel

Faculty Discipline

N / A - Not Applicable

Faculty is eligible for Tenure Track?

Funding Source

Functions and Responsibilities

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Legal Team, the Legal Assistant / Paralegal is responsible for providing legal assistance and administrative support to the area of Compliance and Legal Affairs which includes the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Office of Compliance.

Please note : Essex County College does not sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

This position offers a competitive starting salary of $50,000 - 55,000, along with a comprehensive college benefits package.

Benefits include :

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pension and retirement plans
• Tuition waiver programs
• Opportunities for professional growth

Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven college community.

Supervisory Role

Oral and written instructions are received from the General Counsel and / or designee. The Legal Assistant / Paralegal may supervise support staff and student workers.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Perform general administrative and office support duties for the area of Compliance and Legal Affairs which includes the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Office of Compliance.

2. Serve as the liaison between the College and all outside legal vendors.

3. Perform duties of, but not limited to, scheduling, recording meeting minutes, copying, faxing, mailing, filing, appointment and admission of visitors, telephone coverage, processing vendor and legal bills, and referring inquiries to the appropriate areas, departments and offices of the College. 4. Assist with the preparation, updating, tracking, and submission of materials for court filings and proceedings, investigations, hearings, litigation, subpoenas, records requests, bankruptcy, and other related legal activity.

5. Assist with preparation of a variety of legal documents, including contracts, agreements, reports, memoranda, and other correspondence and legal documents, as directed.

6. Independently compose memoranda, correspondence, and other required communications.

7. Complete moderately complex and routine word-processing and transcription duties.

8. Maintain, in electronic and hard copy format, accurate and up-to-date system of files and documents, including but not limited to contracts, correspondence, memoranda, manuals and other related documents and publications.

9. Independently track and maintain documents and internal files within the area of Compliance and Legal Affairs using designated records retention systems.

10. Organize, maintain, and archive documents related to litigation and legal matters.

11. Assist with the preparation of Board meeting packets, as directed.

12. Maintain inventory of office supplies and equipment and determine need for repair or replacement.

13. Handle and / or manage sensitive information and, as such, strict confidentiality must be adhered to at all times.

14. Serve as the liaison between the area of Compliance and Legal Affairs, other departments and offices within the College, outside and vendors.

15. Maintain strict confidentiality and security of student, staff, client, and other departmental records.

16. Prepare routine, special and ancillary reports, memoranda and trackers as required.

17. Performs other related duties as required or requested

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be

met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and

functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall :

time.

along with the ability to focus vision.

vocabulary.

objects and operate tools, including but not limited to, computers,

keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls.

Additional Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Experience (number of years), Knowledge and / or Abilities

1. Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or related area.

2. Experience as a legal or paralegal assistant in a legal department, preferably for a law firm.

3. Experience working in labor, employment and / or education law.

4. Working knowledge of computer software applications, including Microsoft Office suite, Excel, and other in-house legal software solutions.

5. Demonstrated ability to work independently under pressure, to prioritize assignments, and to exercise a high level of judgement, discretion, and confidentiality.

6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituents including courts, fact-finding agencies, and outside counsel.

7. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

8. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. 9. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Education Requirements

Associate's Degree

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver's license, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience (number of years), Knowledge and / or Abilities

1. Bachelor's degree and or Certification in paralegal studies.

2. Five or more years of experience as a legal or paralegal assistant in a legal department, preferably for a law firm.

3. Five or more years of experience working in labor, employment and / or education law.

4. Advanced working knowledge of computer and related software applications including document management programs and the Microsoft Office suite of applications including Excel.

5. Ability to work an extended, flexible schedule, such as weekends, evenings, and holidays according to the demands of the job.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver's license, etc.)