SENIOR PARALEGAL

 Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

This position performs a variety of specialized tasks as assigned by supervisory attorneys including, but not limited to, summarizing legal documents, performing records research, performing legal research, coordinating research, checking legal forms for accuracy, preparing reports and preparing correspondence. The successful candidate also may be responsible for researching, writing and investigating legal matters for briefs or arguments. The Senior Paralegal provides advanced legal support to attorneys and oversees the work of an assigned Paralegal.

Typical Duties

Assist attorneys with the contract signature process including but not limited to status updates, gathering missing information, monitoring contract lifecycle, communicating with various departments, obtaining signatures, updating notes and conducting run-through meetings.

Serve as a point of contact for questions related to contract signature status, case status, documentation requirements, and administrative processes.

Assist in developing and improving processes, templates, and organizational systems.

Maintain confidentiality and upholds all organizational, ethical, and legal standards.

Assist attorneys in trial preparation, legal research, client interview sessions, discovery conferences, investigation, witness preparation, drafting pre-trial and post-trial motions and motion hearings.

Research and prepare legal memoranda in preparation for legal briefs. Research and

analyze case specific legal issues and documents.

May take written statements from clients and/or witnesses.

May act as witness/prover in court for attorney to validate statements given during investigations.

Summarize depositions, medical reports and other legal documents.

Assist with investigating facts and circumstances related to convictions found in background checks of candidates for employment.

Assist Real Estate Agent with on-line filing of tax exemptions and Certificates of Error.

May assist as needed with administration of the District’s records retention policy, including, but not limited to, updating Departments on their related responsibilities; seeking clarification, as needed, from the state archivist; and filing application update(s) and Disposal Certificates.

Assist with utilizing various legal databases to track requests and responses, i.e. Sharepoint.

Use, as directed by supervisory attorneys, on-line filing systems in various courts and administrative bodies, i.e. Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission, Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center) and U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois (7th Circuit).

Assign, monitor, and review work completed by a designated Paralegal to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with department standards.

Offer guidance, training, and day-to-day direction to the supervised Paralegal on procedures, priorities, and case management.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in paralegal studies, English, history, political science, psychology, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, accounting, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university; AND at least 7 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position;

OR

a certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal education program AND at least 10 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position;

OR

a high school diploma or GED or higher AND at least 12 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

Excellent oral communication and writing skills.

Ability to clearly articulate through written documents concise analysis of assigned case material.

Ability to research and gather information from various sources.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of District information.

The ability to work with online legal resources, e-filing court systems, and e-discovery.

The ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.

Ability to support multiple attorneys.

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 Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)  

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, 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 him/herself as a Veteran on his/her 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 the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.  If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted.  Coast Guard members 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).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs