Job Description

Under the general supervision of an Assistant Public Defender Supervisor and Chief, the paralegal performs a variety of specialized legal tasks for assistant public defenders. Summarizes legal documents, performs legal research and reviews legal documents, pleadings, correspondence and electronic discovery. Does abstracts of medical records, police reports, videos, transcripts, and trial files. Composes legal correspondence, decisions, memorandum and other documentation as directed. Communicates with clients as directed by the assistant public defender or assistant public defender supervisor. Maintains records and files. Researches state statutes and judicial decisions; provides support to staff to assist attorneys with evidence collection, responding to document requests, witness preparation, legal research, and brief writing. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and use of legal research databases.
• Criminal law knowledge.
• General knowledge of record keeping and report preparation methods, practices and procedures.
• Strong skills utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Lexis-Nexis software and/or the latest software used for legal research.
• Ability to identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, and other pertinent material.
• Skill conducting legal research methods utilizing both paper and electronic resources.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills.
• Strong database management skills.
• Ability to clearly articulate through written documents concise analysis of assigned case material.
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and to conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• Ability to be able to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to gather information and communicate Office procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be detail-oriented, able to multi-task and have strong organizational skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree or higher-level degree.
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience as a Paralegal.

-OR-

• Successful completion of a certified paralegal training program.
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience as a Paralegal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a certified paralegal training program accredited by the American Bar Association.
• One (1) year of paralegal experience working in criminal law, or local, state, or federal government.

Physical Requirements

Light Work

Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job/occupation is rated Light Work when it requires: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight of the materials is negligible.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

BENEFITS:

Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Voluntary Benefits
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Hourly Wage: $44.47

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
• IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION “Are you a military veteran?”
• ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov

VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit the required document.

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  Degrees awarded outside of the United States except for those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada, must be credentialed by either the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

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  This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

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  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position

EEO Statement

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.

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