Paralegal Trainee / Paralegal

CAREER DESCRIPTION


PARALEGAL TRAINEE
PARALEGAL
(Public Defender)

SALARY HOURLY:
Paralegal Trainee $28.35 - $38.21
Paralegal $34.27 - $44.97

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

O nline applications will be accepted from Thursday, May 29, 2025 through Monday, June 09, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply immediately. This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future vacancies in the Public Defender's Office. This recruitment may be used to fill lower-level classifications within the Paralegal series throughout the Public Defender's Office.

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:

Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase

BILINGUAL COMPENSATION
An additional $0.70 per hour is paid for this position requiring bilingual skills (speak, read, and write) in Spanish and/or Vietnamese only. Candidates must pass the bilingual exam to be eligible for supplemental pay.

THE OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER
The Offices of the Public Defender would like you to be an essential part of a dedicated and devoted team to advance a more humane and compassionate justice system by protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms of the diverse communities of Orange County through inspired, client-centered advocacy in the courtroom and the community.
Click here to get more information about the Offices of Public Defender.

THE POSITIONS
Paralegal Trainees and Paralegals are under the direction of and provide assistance to one or more attorneys engaged in civil or criminal law in the Public Defender. Paralegal Trainee and Paralegal duties within the Public Defender's Office consist of many varied assignments. Staff are transferred among the various assignments on a regular basis to provide training opportunities and to meet the needs of the Department. Paralegal Trainees and Paralegals are assigned to Homeless Court, Realignment (AB109), New Leaf Program, Felony Panel, Collaborative Courts, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, Truancy Court, Drug Court, and Body-Worn Camera Discovery. This is an in-person assignment, and the duties cannot be performed remotely/virtually. Incumbents may be assigned at any of the Offices of the Public Defender locations, and unit rotations may occur based upon the business needs of the Department.

Paralegal Trainee is the entry-level classification used to provide employees with the experience required for the journey-level classification in the Paralegal occupational series. Under the close direction of an experienced paralegal and an attorney, incumbents perform a wide variety of paralegal duties while learning job tasks, progressing as the procedures and processes of the assigned areas of responsibilities are learned. Positions are not budgeted at this level, and there is no permanent status in this class. Incumbents who do not promote to Paralegal at the end of the one-year probationary period will have failed probation.

Paralegal is the journey-level classification in the occupational series. Positions allocated to this class report to an attorney and/or management level staff and are assigned progressively complex legal work that is performed under the direction, supervision and technical review of an attorney. Incumbents may be required to have extensive contact with clients and witnesses. The work performed requires knowledge of legal concepts, principles, terminology and procedures, and the extensive use of legal reference materials. The Paralegal series is distinguished from various other legal classifications where the duties are less technical and focus on procedural or administrative tasks. Positions are budgeted at the Paralegal level and may be temporarily classified as Paralegal Trainee for a maximum of one year. Incumbents who do not pass the one-year probationary period for Paralegal will have failed probation and will not have the right to return to the Paralegal Trainee.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will be: a caring person that is sensitive to the legal circumstances and t he socio-economic and cultural differences of clients and their families; whose talents facilitate working in stressful situations, within a fast-paced, interactive environment while managing multiple priorities; develop and maintain a professional rapport with outside agencies; and be detailed and organized. Incumbents must satisfy the Special Requirement underthe California Business and Professions Code 6450 as detailed below. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Prepare, file, and serve motions and court orders;
• Coordinate pre-trial case preparation;
• Prepare demonstrative evidence such as charts, graphs, and exhibits for trial;
• Participate in team and case strategy meetings with attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses;
• Obtain, organize and maintain client files and records;
• Assess program appropriateness for specific client needs; and
• Ability to learn the fundamentals of addiction, domestic violence, and mental health and their treatment models.

Relationship Building

• Establish rapport with and gain cooperation of people from diverse groups and widely varying backgrounds;
• Interact with peers, clients and collaborate in a way that gives them confidence in one's motives and representations and those of the organization; and
• Develop relationships and maintain regular contact with various treatment programs and shelter providers.

Decision Making/Problem Solving

• Make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions;
• Compare data, information, and input from a variety of sources to draw conclusions; and
• Take action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Communication

• Possess excellent written communication skills for gathering, evaluating, and preparing well organized reports, correspondences and other written documents using proper English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• Possess excellent oral communication skills to interact, communicate and function under stressful situations that require instructing or persuading, and conduct client and witness interviews; and
• Utilize various management information systems and automation tools to maintain and access case file information and electronic communications via desktop/laptop computer systems and computer networks.

Ability to

• Drive to and from court and other locations as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ( In addition to the minimum requirements for experience, candidates must possess one of the following as per California Business and Professions Code 6450.)

Education: Successful completion of the education required by the State of California pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code 6450.
Education Options:

(1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

(2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

(3) A Bachelor’s or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who is or has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration* from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

(4) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who is or has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration* from the supervising attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

*Special Requirement - (W ritten declaration from the supervising attorney): If you are meeting the Special Requirement in part by providing a w ritten declaration from the supervising attorney stating that you are qualified to perform paralegal tasks (as referenced in #3 and #4 above):

1) Y ou must attach the written declaration to the application at the time you submit the application, while the recruitment is still open. Emailed or faxed copies are not acceptable. The original signed declaration with wet signature will be required by the date of appointment.
2) Your experience must be under the supervision of an attorney who is or has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years.
3) For #4 above, t his experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
Every two years all paralegals shall be required to certify completion of four hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law. Every three years certification of four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics is required.

Click here for detailed information on the Minimum Qualifications, Special Requirements, and Education Substitution for Paralegal Trainee.

Click here for detailed information on the Minimum Qualifications , Special Requirements, and Education Substitution for Paralegal.

License/Certification
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher by date of appointment may be required for some assignments.

**Education Substitution : If you are using the directly related college level education courses or training towards the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts/certificate to the application at the time you submit the application, while the recruitment is still open. Emailed or faxed copies are not acceptable. In addition to the experience requirements, you must satisfy the Special Requirements by the State of California pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code 6450. Original sealed official transcripts/certificate will be required by the date of appointment.

Note: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) .

Please note : Years of experience are calculated based upon the work rate of 40 hours per week. In addition, the program does not allow you to revise your application and/or add attachments after submitting.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy, Effective 9/15/2020
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed below for any questions or to request an accommodation during the
testing/selection process.

Physical Characteristics : Frequent walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, and twisting and bending at the waist. Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate and take direction in person, over the telephone and in the courtroom with a variety of people, including subordinates, supervisory staff, technical and management staff and the public. Ability to read standard text, fine print, various handwritings, view a computer monitor and to drive an automobile. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity to handwrite and/or use a computer keyboard. Ability to perform daily tasks with independent body mobility, agility and stamina sufficient to stand, or sit, walk, stoop and bend routinely for prolonged periods. Ability to operate office equipment as well as courtroom equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard. Ability to independently reason logically to analyze data, reach conclusions and make recommendations; remain calm and appropriately focused in rapidly changing and difficult situations involving conflict, complex issues, controversy and diverse interests; and deal calmly and effectively with emotional interactions. Ability to work under stressful conditions, deadlines and competing priorities. Ability to work with other individuals successfully and collaboratively.

Environmental Conditions : Essential functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work primarily in an office setting around machinery with stationary or moving parts. May have exposure to firearms from working near law enforcement professionals. May work in a non-standard field environment. May work in facilities with adult inmates and/or juveniles who may have multiple and complex health, social and psychosocial needs. Will be required to interact with persons of diverse backgrounds and educational levels including persons having interest in criminal cases and varying levels of other governmental organizations which include jail facilities and/or courtroom holding tanks; interact with the public in emotional and occasional hostile situations. May be required to drive a County vehicle or use County-approved means of transportation for job-related travel.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATION/ SANCTION SCREENING
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check consisting of employment history, professional references, conviction history, criminal check and education verification, including the Special Requirements (i.e., certificate, degree, license, written declaration and official transcript) as per California Business and Professions Code 6450.
Candidates will be required to pass the background check to the satisfaction of the hiring Department, including a fingerprint check though Live Scan. Applicants will also be required to answer a conviction questionnaire as part of the recruitment process. A clean driving record may be required while employed in this classification (see minimum qualifications and classification description for required license).

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Public Defender Human Resources screens all application materials to identify candidates with qualities that meet minimum and/or desirable qualifications, including the successful completion of the education required by the State of California pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code 6450. Application materials and supplemental responses will be screened to identify qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the County. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. D uring the application screening step, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications within your application.

All candidates will be notified via email of their status and of further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment competition.

Application Appraisal Panel | Supplemental Questions Rating (Weighted 100%) :
A panel of job knowledge experts will only evaluate the responses to the supplemental questions for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above.

Each candidate's rating is solely based on the candidate's responses to the supplemental questions; therefore, candidates should be thorough, detailed, and complete in their responses to the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be rated, so please be descriptive and thorough in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be evaluated in lieu of the required information. This is a competitive process . Please note that the panel will also be evaluating written communication skills. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST
After the competitive procedures listed above have been completed, an eligible list of qualified candidates will be established. Candidates will be notified of their standing. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Please note : To ensure case confidentiality, please do not provide specific identifying case names and/or case numbers within the application, all supplemental responses and in all attachments to the application.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
INTERESTED?
• Apply online as only online applications will be accepted.
• Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise,
matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.
• In the job experience section of the application, it is imperative that you include the
company name and address, position held, employment dates, full-time or part-time,
duties and reason for leaving. All this information must be included for each job listed.
• Applicants are required to answer supplemental questions in addition to completing the
online application. Note: We suggest you prepare the supplemental answers offline so
you do not lose your Internet connection. Once you have completed the answers offline,
copy and paste your answers in the appropriate boxes.

Please note: To ensure you submit your application before the 11:59 p.m. (PST) deadline, the submit button MUST be clicked before the deadline and please ensure your computer time/clock is set to the correct time.

QUESTIONS
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sandy Zirtzman at (657) 258-7507 or Christine Reese at (657) 251-8838.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES

The County of Orange provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of the employee total compensation.

The County offers a competitive benefits package which includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave (includes paid vacation) and paid holidays. Additionally, the County provides a retirement plan. Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available.

For detailed information on benefits click here.

RETIREMENT RECIPROCITY

Current employed members of accepted reciprocal systems who have not retired from those systems, may be eligible for reciprocity.

For detailed information on OCERS retirement click here .

ORANGE COUNTY AMENITIES:

• 24 Parks and Trails: OC Parks & Trails
• 17 Beaches/Harbors: OC Beaches
• 7 Historical Sites: OC Historic Sites

EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. For additional information regarding employment with the County of Orange, please visit OC Human Resource Services .

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from
diverse backgrounds to apply.

Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: 6/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Orange

• 714.834.5315

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