Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the County Attorney departments. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
This position will sit at 360 Wabasha St N, St. Paul, MN 55102.
Performs entry-level professional work to provide a variety of paralegal services to attorneys in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. (This is the entry-level class in the Paralegal series. Work assignments provide an opportunity to apply knowledge gained through education in order to develop the skills required for advancement) and perform related duties as assigned.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Paralegal 1 Hourly: $21.30 - $31.42
Paralegal 2 Hourly: $25.18 - $37.29
Paralegal 3 Hourly: $27.26-$40.39
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
- Provide various entry-level paralegal support functions and responsibilities for work in any of the following areas of the Ramsey County Attorney's Office: Pre-Trial Justice, Adult Trials, Youth Justice and Wellness, General Civil, Civil Forfeiture, Child Support Legal, Civil Commitments, Child Protection or Victim, Witness and Postconviction Justice. These duties include entry level knowledge of applied rules of court and statutes specific to the division where assigned.
- Under supervised direction and guidance, assist attorneys with preparing for hearings, trials, or administrative proceedings by preparing witness and exhibit lists; communicating about cases with both lay witnesses and professional witnesses; compiling trial notebooks; preparing documents for presentation to the court and/or jury; managing photos, charts, and audio/video and other electronic evidence to be displayed during trial; and managing exhibits used during court proceedings.
- Obtain, analyze, and organize information; access and prepare clear and concise reports and data; maintain accurate records and files; and handle confidential and sensitive information. Assist in interviewing victims and both lay and professional witnesses and preparing them for hearings, trials, administrative hearings or deposition.
- Draft and file pleadings and documents, including affidavits, legal memoranda, motions, notices, writs, warrants, discovery documents (requests and responses), jury instructions, summons and complaints, substantive correspondence, settlement proposals, orders, dismissals, stipulations, contracts, leases, and deeds for review and approval by an attorney.
- Attend court proceedings with attorneys; take notes of testimony for use by attorney during trial and in preparing closing arguments; and provide other assistance to attorneys during proceedings. Arrange to have matters placed on the court calendar.
- Attend legislative planning and legislative meetings, stakeholder group meetings, grantee meetings and intergovernmental meetings with division directors, assistant directors and attorneys; take notes for use by directors and attorneys; provide assistance in preparing for meetings.
- Respond to routine requests from internal and external clients and other involved or interested parties, assist in resolving issues as they arise, and offer effective customer service skills at all times. Interact with a wide variety of individuals, groups, and organizations; establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with county departments and other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies; and effectively deal with hostile, resistant, or potentially abusive suspects or witnesses.
- Basic understanding and proficiency of job-required software applications, the internet, and department software; and ability to apply this understanding in completing daily assignments or to create and/or coordinate audio/video presentations.
- Identify basic risk and liability issues and potential conflicts, resolve routine issues, and refer more complex issues to managerial personnel.
- Create and maintain a positive working environment, work effectively in teams with enthusiasm and initiative supporting the vision and mission of the office, and represent the organization in a professional manner.
- Provide support and assistance to the Senior Collection Enforcement Agent which will include review, confirmation and verification of reports through various databases searching for assets, Medical Assistance (MA) payments made and identifying assets available for repayment. Generating documents requesting information from families of decedents.
- Experience to build or assist with building an electronic file to track recoveries.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Paralegal 1
Education: Associate's in Paralegal Studies or related field.
Experience: None.
Substitutions: Juris Doctorate degree may substitute for the education requirement. Bachelor’s degree with a Paralegal certificate may substitute for the Associate's degree in Paralegal studies. Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, court clerk, law clerk, court administration, court operations, legal services, or equivalent legal work may substitute for the education requirement.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Paralegal 2
Education: Associate's in Paralegal Studies or equivalent.
Experience: Two years of experience as a Paralegal or equivalent legal work.
Substitution: Juris Doctorate degree may substitute for the education requirement. Bachelor’s degree with a Paralegal certificate may substitute for the Associate's degree in Paralegal studies. Four years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, court clerk, law clerk, court administration, court operations, legal services, or equivalent legal work may substitute for the education and work experience requirement.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Paralegal 3
Education: Associate's in Paralegal Studies or related field.
Experience: Five years of experience as a Paralegal or equivalent legal work.
Substitutions: Juris Doctorate degree may substitute for the education requirement. Bachelor’s degree with a Paralegal certificate may substitute for the Associate's degree in Paralegal studies. Seven years of experience as a paralegal, legal secretary, court clerk, law clerk, court administration, court operations, legal services, or equivalent legal work may substitute for the education and work experience requirement.
Certification/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Paralegal 1-2-3 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Paralegal 1-2-3. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County
Saint Paul, MN 55102
US
