PARALEGAL SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT: Mercer County Correction Center – Program Services
SALARY: $61,747 – $98,224
LOCATION: Hopewell Township, NJ
SCHEDULE:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Program Services Department does not operate under the facility's continuous operations schedule. Standard business hours currently apply.
VACANCIES: 1
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Mercer County Correction Center is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Paralegal Specialist to join the Program Services team. This position provides professional paralegal support by conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, organizing case materials, maintaining records, and assisting attorneys and program staff with legal and administrative matters related to correctional operations.
The Paralegal Specialist plays an important role in supporting the legal functions of the Correction Center by ensuring the accurate preparation of legal documentation, maintaining case files, coordinating information, and assisting with legal proceedings. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage confidential information while working in a fast-paced correctional environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conduct legal research utilizing statutes, case law, regulations, legal opinions, and other authoritative sources.
Assist in the preparation, review, and organization of legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, contracts, and correspondence for attorney review.
Gather, organize, and analyze information, records, and evidence in preparation for hearings, litigation, and other legal proceedings.
Maintain and organize legal files, case records, exhibits, and supporting documentation.
Prepare summaries of depositions, interrogatories, testimony, judicial decisions, and other legal materials.
Draft reports, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal and administrative documents.
Assist attorneys and Program Services staff by coordinating case materials, scheduling appointments, and preparing hearing or court files.
Obtain documents, records, affidavits, and other information from appropriate agencies and sources.
Review legal documents for completeness, formatting, and accuracy prior to submission.
Assist in interviewing clients, witnesses, or other individuals to obtain relevant information as directed.
Attend hearings, court proceedings, meetings, or other legal proceedings as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal, investigative, and correctional information.
Utilize electronic case management systems, legal research databases, and other technology to support departmental operations.
Perform other related duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Legal Assistant or Paralegal Studies, or an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree with a Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) may be substituted for the educational requirement.
Two (2) years of experience preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, or analyzing legal materials may be substituted for the educational requirement as permitted by the Civil Service Commission.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid New Jersey driver's license may be required depending on operational needs.
Individuals prohibited from serving as paralegals pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-20(a) are not eligible for appointment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of legal principles, terminology, research methods, and court procedures.
Knowledge of legal publications, statutes, judicial decisions, and administrative regulations.
Ability to conduct thorough legal research and analyze complex legal issues.
Ability to prepare legal documents, reports, correspondence, and case summaries with a high degree of accuracy.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to gather, evaluate, and organize evidence and factual information.
Ability to maintain detailed records and confidential legal files.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with attorneys, correctional staff, County departments, outside agencies, and the public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, electronic document management systems, and legal research databases.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:
Mercer County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and professional development of our employees. Benefits include:
Access to health and wellness coverage
Retirement and deferred compensation plans
Generous paid time off and leave programs
Ongoing training and tuition assistance
Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements
Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.
Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.
