Paralegal Manager jobs in Madison, WI

OPENING DATE: 3/1/24

CLOSING DATE: 03/15/24 11:59 PM

DESCRIPTION:

Dane County, in Madison, Wisconsin is recruiting for one (1) full-time vacant Paralegal I position, within Corporation Counsel. The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future Paralegal vacancies for the next six (6) months.

We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program (for further details visit www.countyofdane.com/emprel). Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired. Dane County also provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.

EQUITY, DEFINITION AND EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

This is the entry level of the Paralegal I-II series, mentored under the Paralegal II level to gainthe knowledge and experience necessary to advance to Paralegal II. This work is characterized by structured and closely reviewed work assignments performed with an increasing level of autonomy once applicable standards, policies and procedures are learned.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY-CRIMINAL/TRAFFIC:
This position provides paralegal assistance to attorneys in the preparation and handling of criminal cases for filing, resolution or trial by conducting research and gathering evidence, organizing and evaluating that information, recommending courses of action and preparing legal documents as necessary for legal actions; drafts criminal complaints as well as other pleadings and correspondence related to criminal cases; evaluates and monitors the status of cases and ensures appropriate action is taken to comply with strict statutory deadlines; confers with attorneys, police departments and defendants regarding all aspects of civil and criminal cases; performs legal research and analyzes criminal history backgrounds; monitors court notices and subpoenas witnesses for hearings; obtains necessary court documents; organizes hard copy and electronic files in criminal cases for contested hearings and trials; updates information and documents in the District Attorney's case management system, PROTECT; assigns 911 recordings received to the relevant cases in PROTECT; organizes criminal files and actively participates in weekly status conferences and/or weekly pretrial conference court proceedings; may train, assign and monitor the work of others; and related work as required.

CORPORATION COUNSEL:
This position provides paralegal assistance to attorneys in the preparation and handling of juvenile, mental, civil and child support cases for resolution or trial by conducting research and gathering evidence, obtaining information from outside agencies, county departments, and members of the public, organizing and evaluating that information, recommending courses of action and preparing legal documents as necessary for legal actions; drafts petitions and complaints, as well as other pleadings, correspondence, and proposed orders related to a variety of cases and case types; evaluates and monitors the status of cases and ensures appropriate action is taken to comply with strict statutory or regulatory deadlines; confers with attorneys, police agencies, personnel at multiple county departments and witnesses regarding all aspects of juvenile and civil cases; performs legal research and investigates the whereabouts and statuses of parties; monitors court notices and subpoenas witnesses for hearings; analyzes and monitors case status in the KIDS system for child support cases; obtains necessary court documents; organizes hard copy and electronic files for hearings and trials; updates information and documents into the Legal Files case management system; manages assigned attorneys' calendars; organizes files and actively participates in discussions and meetings with attorneys for effective communication; and may train, assign and monitor the work of others; and other related work as required.

CLERK OF COURT-PROBATE:
Contacts or interviews defendants, defense attorneys and agencies, social workers and social services agencies, governmental and quasi governmental agencies and others to obtain and/or promulgate necessary data and information; contacts judges, defendants and attorneys to explain the status of cases, policies and law regarding fines, DPA (alternative payment plans); prepares and sets up alternative restitution, bench warrants, arrest warrants and bail or bonds; performs research necessary to case processing, including bankruptcy, evaluates available information and recommends or takes appropriate action; drafts bankruptcy proofs of claim, prepares motions to vacate arrest warrants, wage assignments and other legal papers as necessary; monitors the payment status of fines and performance of community service and prepares and mails collection letters and notices, prepares and presents statistical information on collections of fines and court costs.

CLERK OF COURT-FAMILY:
This position provides oversight of family and paternity case filings ensuring compliance with all Wisconsin statutory requirements and other legal mandates and rules as they pertain to the processing of family related matters. This position works closely with attorneys and unrepresented parties by explaining the process and procedures, assisting with identifying forms and assisting in related areas. Assuring parties' adherence to timelines, laws and rules, through close case monitoring, is paramount to the role of the Paralegal. The Paralegal, although providing general oversight of family and paternity related actions, stops short of rendering legal advice and/or assuming the role of legal counsel for any party, interested or otherwise, to an action.

CLERK OF COURT-GUARDIANSHIP:
This position processes and oversees, through timely and consistent mentoring, court filings related to guardianships (i.e, juvenile and adult guardianships of person/estate; protective placements; and trusts) to ensure compliance with all Wisconsin statutory requirements and rules. The position serves as the primary information agent regarding procedural requirements in these areas for court staff, attorneys and the general public. The position reviews activities and involvements of all guardians appointed by the Probate Court. The position reviews annual reports and annual accounts, as well as reviews placements of individuals with protective placement orders. Coordination with other agencies, statewide committees and networks regarding procedures and changes in laws and forms is required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have an associate's degree from a two (2)-year legal assistant program or a minimum oftwo (2) years’ work experience, which includes substantial emphasis on collecting and analyzinginformation and interpreting guidelines, regulations and/or laws applicable to prosecution withinthe Wisconsin judicial system, or two (2) years of increasingly responsible clerical experience,which includes substantial public contact, as well as one (1) year of legal clerical experience in acourt system, law office or similar environment. An equivalent combination of training andexperience may be considered.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Ability to use hand and wrist motion; ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or withoutadaptive devices. Ability to skillfully multi-task, work quickly and accurately, with a variety of personalities, in an exceptionally fast paced legal office setting where workload can be excessive, very time-sensitive, and deadlines are dictated by Wisconsin Law and the Judiciary. Expect exposure to secondary trauma. Content can be graphic, violent, tragic and sensitive in nature. Staff should expect to work in an office setting with possibility of some limited remote work at the discretion of the supervisor. Availability for occasional night or weekend work asrequired, for example in preparation for and assistance with a contested matter such as a jury trial.

For Bilingual Positions:

1) Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.).

2) Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process. This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including use of software systems and methods of organizing and tracking hard copy and electronic documents; proficiency in technology skills and application; knowledge of criminal and civil laws, criminal and civil justice system procedures and practices; knowledge of legal terms and papers; knowledge of basic investigatory principles, interviewing skills; research and writing skills; ability to gather, organize and evaluate a variety of data and information; ability to assess a variety of dispositional actions and to take or recommend appropriate actions; ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, guidelines and laws; ability to exercise independent judgment and carry out assignments with minimal continued supervision; ability to maintain confidentiality as required; ability to communicate effectively, especially in sensitive situations; ability to operate standard office machines; ability to draft and prepare a variety of legal papers; ability to conduct independent research and investigations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $33.13 - $35.80 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI