Class Series Concept
See PARALEGAL 1.
Definition
Positions perform expert-level paralegal work under administrative direction in support of Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of State matters. These positions perform most complex paralegal duties within a designated area of responsibility which must include at least one of the following as the primary function:
1) Provide expert guidance and consultation on a strategic level in a specialized area of litigation with division, agency, or cross-divisional impact.
2) Serves as a lead paralegal for the AGO’s most complex matters with significant consequences to the client, state, or public.
3) Appears before a board or commission as client’s legal representative on behalf of Assistant Attorneys General.
Positions must exercise decision-making authority within the areas of assigned responsibility and are accountable for outcomes.
1) Provide expert guidance and consultation on a strategic level in a specialized area of litigation with division, agency, or cross-divisional impact.
2) Serves as a lead paralegal for the AGO’s most complex matters with significant consequences to the client, state, or public.
3) Appears before a board or commission as client’s legal representative on behalf of Assistant Attorneys General.
Positions must exercise decision-making authority within the areas of assigned responsibility and are accountable for outcomes.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This level of the series has the highest level of knowledge with extensive understanding of all paralegal classifications and functions, which is gained through progression of the paralegal series. The position is highly skilled in adapting to evolving and changing litigation techniques with limited advice or assistance:
• The guidance and consultation provided often requires intensive, in-depth analysis of information to determine the nature and scope of issues.
• Positions frequently require the use of non-standard or untested processes to accomplish goals.
• Positions in this level of the series are expected to provide direction and guidance related to all levels of paralegal functions, take initiative with a high level of independence, and are expected to accomplish broad objectives.
• The guidance and consultation provided often requires intensive, in-depth analysis of information to determine the nature and scope of issues.
• Positions frequently require the use of non-standard or untested processes to accomplish goals.
• Positions in this level of the series are expected to provide direction and guidance related to all levels of paralegal functions, take initiative with a high level of independence, and are expected to accomplish broad objectives.
Typical Work
Directs the work of paralegals in their area of specialized litigation;
Acts as lead paralegal on highly complex or precedent setting cases and directs the work of other paralegals assigned to the case;
Analyzes case fact situations of significant complexity to ensure a holistic and comprehensive strategy is applied so that action in one matter does not compromise the defense of another matter of equal significance;
Appears before a board or commission on non-precedent setting issues or subjects on behalf of Assistant Attorneys General (e.g. preliminary hearings, status conferences, and argues merits of case with standard/basic presentation of facts) and in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct;
Develops computer data bases for complex data analysis and manages related reporting to client on behalf of Division Chief or designee;
Provides feedback and suggestions to other team members regarding case methodologies, procedures, and how to provide quality client service and case management;
Maintains detailed case notes, files, and databases to prepare annual and other reports and statistics on a recurrent basis;
Designs and delivers training on case methodologies and procedures for paralegals and attorneys across the division and/or agency;
Represents the agency and presents on behalf of the work of the division at cross-agency or public collaborative forums;
Reviews completed or closed cases by examining case records and reports; provides feedback and suggestions to others regarding case methodologies and procedures;
Coordinates, develops, and evaluates processes, systems, methodologies, and procedures of litigation management for division and agency;
May supervise other legal and/or support staff;
Performs work of Paralegals 1, 2 and 3;
Performs other work as required.
Acts as lead paralegal on highly complex or precedent setting cases and directs the work of other paralegals assigned to the case;
Analyzes case fact situations of significant complexity to ensure a holistic and comprehensive strategy is applied so that action in one matter does not compromise the defense of another matter of equal significance;
Appears before a board or commission on non-precedent setting issues or subjects on behalf of Assistant Attorneys General (e.g. preliminary hearings, status conferences, and argues merits of case with standard/basic presentation of facts) and in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct;
Develops computer data bases for complex data analysis and manages related reporting to client on behalf of Division Chief or designee;
Provides feedback and suggestions to other team members regarding case methodologies, procedures, and how to provide quality client service and case management;
Maintains detailed case notes, files, and databases to prepare annual and other reports and statistics on a recurrent basis;
Designs and delivers training on case methodologies and procedures for paralegals and attorneys across the division and/or agency;
Represents the agency and presents on behalf of the work of the division at cross-agency or public collaborative forums;
Reviews completed or closed cases by examining case records and reports; provides feedback and suggestions to others regarding case methodologies and procedures;
Coordinates, develops, and evaluates processes, systems, methodologies, and procedures of litigation management for division and agency;
May supervise other legal and/or support staff;
Performs work of Paralegals 1, 2 and 3;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: legal terminology; current legal office practices; methods and procedures; law office communications; civil and appellate procedures and rules; legal requirements and proper procedure for service of legal pleadings on parties and witnesses; process and resources used to check and verify legal citations, references and quotation information for pleadings and legal memoranda; state and federal legal requirements regarding privilege and redaction of confidential information; discovery procedures; advanced skills in software and database applications typical of a law office; rules and regulations relating to witness appearance for trials and hearings, including preparation and service of required subpoena, lay and expert witness contracts and allowable compensation; correct punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills.
Ability to: coach and train staff; provide consultation; model professional and respectful behaviors at all times; locate and independently interpret the highly technical local court rules and requirements set forth by multiple court venues; interpret ambiguous or nuanced local court rule requirements and take necessary action steps to ensure attorneys are aware of requirements and prepare and file documents in accordance with the requirements; independently prepare and format pleadings filed in multiple court venues following each local court’s rules and requirements; maintain confidentiality of restricted information; independently research court rules in multiple administrative, county, and appellate court venues to calculate filing deadlines and determine formatting and filing requirements for cases and pleadings; perform case negotiation activities, utilize case management systems and databases for tracking documents, pleadings, depositions, hearings, trials, and critical case and litigation deadlines; utilize litigation software; understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to: coach and train staff; provide consultation; model professional and respectful behaviors at all times; locate and independently interpret the highly technical local court rules and requirements set forth by multiple court venues; interpret ambiguous or nuanced local court rule requirements and take necessary action steps to ensure attorneys are aware of requirements and prepare and file documents in accordance with the requirements; independently prepare and format pleadings filed in multiple court venues following each local court’s rules and requirements; maintain confidentiality of restricted information; independently research court rules in multiple administrative, county, and appellate court venues to calculate filing deadlines and determine formatting and filing requirements for cases and pleadings; perform case negotiation activities, utilize case management systems and databases for tracking documents, pleadings, depositions, hearings, trials, and critical case and litigation deadlines; utilize litigation software; understand and follow written and oral instructions.
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.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Seven years' experience through paralegal certification, two-year paralegal degree, and/or paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney;
One year of experience as a Paralegal 3;
The required experience is typically gained through progression of the paralegal series.
Note: Some positions may require at least one year of supervisory experience.
Equivalent education/experience.
OR
One year of experience as a Paralegal 3;
The required experience is typically gained through progression of the paralegal series.
Note: Some positions may require at least one year of supervisory experience.
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
New job class established; 80148588, 42 Office and Clerical; range 62; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.