Paralegal
Purpose of Position
Unit paralegals enable Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys to dispose of cases as early as possible by conducting charge review, monitoring case progress, managing case discovery, drafting and reviewing documents, and preparing cases for disposition and trial under the direction of Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys and the supervision of a First Assistant Prosecutor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following are the primary duties this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Be a team player who works positively and collaboratively with prosecutors and staff to achieve the vision, mission and objectives of the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office.
Understand, embrace and embody the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney:
- Vision, Mission and Objectives;
- Organizational Beliefs; and
- Culture of Accountability.
Assists attorneys in preparing cases for charging, arraignments, pretrial conferences and following up on pretrial conferences to reduce the number of appearances necessary to dispose of cases.
Reviews case files and manages discovery ensuring all discovery has been received from the referring law enforcement agency and disclosed to the defense.
Identifies potential Brady/Giglio material for disclosure.
Assists attorneys by obtaining, uploading, and reviewing digital media such as 911 calls, jail visitation recordings, etc.
Performs background checks on jury pool members.
Works with the Victim/Witness Office and Unit Secretaries to contact victims and witnesses as necessary to keep them informed of case activity, obtain restitution documentation, and when necessary meets with victims/witnesses and answers their questions.
Monitors restitution owed by defendants for compliance with court orders and assists APA’s in enforcing conditions of probation.
Collects statistical data and produces reports from the case management system to aid the First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the operation of the Unit.
Accurately documents all case activity with appropriate entries in the case management system.
Returns telephone calls, e-mails, and correspondence in a timely manner (in most cases within one business day).
Maintains the highest level of integrity in all relationships including but not limited to GCPA attorneys and staff, law enforcement, victims, witnesses, judges, clerks, and defense counsel.
Utilizes a computer terminal or personal computer to enter, retrieve and enter data using case management, word processing, database, spreadsheet or other specialized software.
Assigns, coordinates and reviews and the work of other paraprofessionals and clerical support staff.
Arrives at work punctually and without unexcused absences.
Follows the directives and policies of the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney.
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may be performed by other unit members.
Conducts basic legal research.
Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of charging documents, subpoenas, pleadings, search warrants, arraignment paperwork, motions to revoke probation, and related documents.
Obtains certified and/or exemplified copies of prior convictions.
Obtains, reviews and summarizes police reports, depositions and other evidence.
Drafts initial order of trial.
Prepares trial files.
Prepares disclosure of State’s witness criminal convictions.
Drafts jury instructions.
Gathers and prepares exhibits and demonstrative evidence.
Interviews witnesses and may brief witnesses for trials.
Assists attorneys in trial.
Serves as a liaison for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at the Family Justice Center with victims, the Victim/Witness Office and other partner agencies.
Works on special projects or case assignments as directed by the Greene County Prosecutor, Chief Assistant, and/or supervising First Assistant.
Performs clerical duties
Assists with receptionist duties or victim witness duties when needed.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice (or related field) or Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, one year experience with the criminal justice system working in a Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, or at the discretion of the Greene County Prosecutor, any other combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.