Paralegal

Annual Salary $37,331.24

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to act as paralegal to Assistant Solicitor with any/all cases in which the Circuit Solicitor represents the State of South Carolina in prosecution. This position creates and maintains case files on all criminal cases; notifies defendants, attorneys, and law enforcement of court dates; and prepares legal documents, as required. This position manages all general session and juvenile cases, ensuring timely completion of discoveries, preparation of legal documents, and court filings. Responsibilities include maintaining organized case files, coordinating with defense attorneys, and preparing materials for court. The Paralegal also fills in for the office manager as needed, handles electronic discovery, and manages case-related tasks such as indictments and preliminary hearings. The role involves direct interaction with attorneys, defendants, and court personnel to support the efficient processing of cases.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job.

• Prepares indictments for presentation to Grand Jury.
• Answers incoming telephone calls and makes outgoing calls.
• Prepares correspondence as requested.
• Maintains files of all case-related documents for each defendant.
• Prepares discovery materials for defense attorneys.
• Inputs information in the computer system, maintaining change of addresses for all parties, attorney representation, and other details as needed.
• Coordinates with law enforcement to schedule meetings with the Assistant Solicitor.
• Runs rap sheets for defendants.
• Files as needed.
• Attends court as needed.
• Manages juvenile docket preparation and ensures timely notification of hearing dates.
• Handles filing of juvenile petitions and maintains accurate records.
• Pulls and files court documents for general sessions.
• Creates and finalizes indictments, including drafting and revising based on attorney feedback.
• Coordinates preliminary hearings, schedules cases, and manages related documentation.
• Manages the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Program, including file management and coordination with the diversion program.
• Conducts criminal history reports and maintains detailed records of searches.
• Performs general office responsibilities, such as faxing, filing, and answering incoming telephone calls.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of computer and office equipment.

Ability to communicate with the public in an effective manner. 

Skill in typing on the computer.

Knowledge of the programs and the answers to questions that arise.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate Degree in Business or a related field, and two (2) years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A certificate or degree as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant is preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Required: SLED Security and Privacy Certification. NCIC certification to run SLED reports or the ability to obtain within six (6) months. Notary Public for the State of South Carolina or the ability to obtain within three (3) months. 

Preferred: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

This position has the following special vision requirements: close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more); color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up or down and to the left and right when vision is fixed on a given point); depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a relatively safe and secure indoor office environment; may encounter noise or dust.

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