Job Details for Paralegal or Assistant Paralegal

To qualify for the position of paralegal, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or have a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program. Candidates must also possess:

• a strong legal, administrative, or paralegal background.
• excellent organization and communication skills.
• computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, word processing, legal research tools using Westlaw and Lexis, and database coding, search, and maintenance.
• excellent command of English grammar and spelling.
• three to five years of relevant experience, preferably managing complex litigation and/or voluminous case files.
• experience as a paralegal performing progressively responsible paralegal duties.
• the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position.

To qualify for the position of assistant paralegal, candidates must be a high school graduate or the equivalent and have at least two years of paralegal or comparable experience, or an educational substitute. Spanish-language fluency is strongly preferred. Candidates must also possess:

• experience as an assistant paralegal performing progressively responsible paralegal duties;
• an understanding of paralegal and secretarial duties in a legal environment;
• a working knowledge of law office operations, legal practices, methods and techniques, and the legal system;
• the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position.

Candidates for both paralegal and assistant paralegal positions must possess:

• the skill and judgment in the analysis of assignments;
• a general understanding of office confidentiality issues, such as attorney/client privilege;
• an understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence;
• the ability to work collegially; and
• integrity, character, and good judgment.