PARALEGAL

City of Newport News -
Newport News, VA

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Job Details

4 hours ago

Benefits

On-the-job training

Qualifications

Criminal procedure
Report preparation
Confidential information handling
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Writing skills
Employee relationship building
High school diploma or GED
Driver's License
Vehicle codes
Productivity software
Legal case management

Full Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

PARALEGAL

COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITES

This position is responsible for performing a variety of legal tasks with an emphasis on criminal

prosecution of violent crimes, weapon, drug and traffic offenses and juvenile and domestic relation

matters. Their primary function is to support the Commonwealth Attorney, Deputy Commonwealth

Attorneys, and the Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys in trial preparation and the prosecution of

criminal defendants in the City of Newport News. Reports to Legal Coordinator and Deputy

Commonwealth Attorneys.

Paralegals are distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee

including education and years of experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs many tasks, including filing, drafting paperwork, performing research, corresponding with

and/or interviewing victims and witnesses, and helping to build cases for or against individuals or groups

of people. Assisting with trial preparation including the assembly of exhibits, witness binders and court

filings.

Reviews and summarizes trial transcripts, police report binders and exhibits. Reviews and redacts

confidential information regarding cases in police reports and axon videos.

Researches and compiles data from multiple and various legal resources to include axon videos, jail calls

in house files, case law, statutes, legal articles, codes and other documents and outside reference

sources.

Responsible for organizing, summarizing and indexing of electronic and paper documents, discovery

material, evidence and exhibits.

Other duties include filing any and all necessary documents with the Court; preparing drafts of orders,

motions, notices, subpoenas, psychological evaluations, answers to discovery, obtaining certified copies

of convictions, scientific evidence/analysis and any and all other necessary documents on a daily basis.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community

and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also

expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Legal Procedures and Law –Knowledge of the criminal justice system including court rules, processes

and procedures. Knowledge of crimes, offenses and motor vehicle laws of Virginia. Knowledge of

sentencing guidelines and procedure. A thorough knowledge of legal terminology, common practices

and proper legal citation form.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification required (this certification can be obtained

through on the job training.)

REQUIRED SKILLS

Computer Skills – Able to utilize a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related

software to effectively complete a variety of legal tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. Maintain

data in our case management system specifically designed for prosecution and other advance software

programs utilized by the Courts.

Interpersonal Relationships – Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with

employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and

organizations.

Time Management – plan and organize daily work routine. Estimate expected time of completion of

elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work activities in

accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and

possess the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Judgement/Decision Making – have the ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze and

evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

Communication – have the ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in

writing, to include the preparation of reports, complex legal documents and other correspondence for

distribution to Judges, attorneys and the general public. Have the ability to listen and understand

information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with

tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Paralegal - Requires graduation from high school or the equivalent. Completion of an accredited

Paralegal or Administration of Justice program or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, and/or 3 years of

experience in criminal justice or an equivalent of combination of education and experience in the

criminal justice field.

Senior Paralegal – Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 8 to 10 years of experience in

criminal justice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and

a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Some lifting, carrying,

pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve

extended periods of time at keyboard or work station. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and

discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals especially while viewing Axon videos.

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