Definition

Under the supervision of an assistant attorney general, these positions function at a high level of independence in performing complex substantive paralegal work which, absent the paralegal, would be performed by an assistant attorney general.  This work includes legal research in selected areas, shepardizing cases, analyzing case fact situations for legal issues identification and development of legal strategy.  In addition, may act as lead worker or coordinate projects involving other paralegals or clerical support staff. 

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a paraprofessional class and is distinguished from a Paralegal 1 in that it involves more complex duties and responsibilities, which are performed with greater independence (e.g., negotiating settlements). 

Typical Work

Under the supervision of an assistant attorney general, may perform the following substantive legal work:  

Utilizes data bases for tracking documents, pleadings, depositions and other legal documents; this includes the ability to use or modify existing computer data bases or work with Information Systems staff to create new computer programs for setting up data bases for major cases;  

Responsible for analyzing, coding, and entering information into office subject-matter digests, brief banks, client advice files and current indices;  

Prepares and makes recommendations to attorney for depositions, including research of witnesses, selecting and organizing exhibits and documents, and outlining questions;  

Reviews answers to discovery for completeness, evasiveness, and propriety of objections;  

Prepares deposition summaries, tracks depositions, interrogatories, pleadings and other legal documents;  

Analyzes case fact situations of significant complexity for legal issue identification and development of legal strategy;  

Assists in trial preparation, settlement negotiations and at trial with management of witnesses, documents, exhibits, and courtroom aids;  

Keeps clients and witnesses informed of progress of cases;  

Performs legal research in selected areas and shepardizes cases;  

Negotiates under attorney supervision, settlements of routine cases of differing or recurring legal concepts;  

Performs work performed by a Paralegal 1;  

Assists in training Paralegals 1;  

Acts as lead paralegal responsible for assisting the lead attorney in coordinating paralegal work;  

Performs other work as required.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Desirable Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited two-year paralegal program plus two years' experience as a paralegal.   

OR 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college and completion of a nine-month paralegal program plus one year experience as a paralegal.  

OR 

Three years' experience as a paralegal.   

OR

Two years as a Paralegal 1. 

Class Specification History

New class adopted September 14, 1979.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Antitrust Legal Examiner 2), definition, minimum qualifications; adopted September 13, 1985.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Legal Examiner 2), definition, minimum qualifications, adds distinguishing characteristics; adopted February 15, 1991.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 46620); adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.