Overview
PARALEGAL Jobs in Newport News, VA at City of Newport News
JOB DESCRIPTION
PARALEGAL
COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITES
This position is responsible for performing a variety of legal tasks with an emphasis on criminal
prosecution of violent crimes, weapon, drug and traffic offenses and juvenile and domestic relation
matters. Their primary function is to support the Commonwealth Attorney, Deputy Commonwealth
Attorneys, and the Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys in trial preparation and the prosecution of
criminal defendants in the City of Newport News. Reports to Legal Coordinator and Deputy
Commonwealth Attorneys.
Paralegals are distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee
including education and years of experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs many tasks, including filing, drafting paperwork, performing research, corresponding with
and/or interviewing victims and witnesses, and helping to build cases for or against individuals or groups
of people. Assisting with trial preparation including the assembly of exhibits, witness binders and court
filings.
Reviews and summarizes trial transcripts, police report binders and exhibits. Reviews and redacts
confidential information regarding cases in police reports and axon videos.
Researches and compiles data from multiple and various legal resources to include axon videos, jail calls
in house files, case law, statutes, legal articles, codes and other documents and outside reference
sources.
Responsible for organizing, summarizing and indexing of electronic and paper documents, discovery
material, evidence and exhibits.
Other duties include filing any and all necessary documents with the Court; preparing drafts of orders,
motions, notices, subpoenas, psychological evaluations, answers to discovery, obtaining certified copies
of convictions, scientific evidence/analysis and any and all other necessary documents on a daily basis.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Legal Procedures and Law –Knowledge of the criminal justice system including court rules, processes
and procedures. Knowledge of crimes, offenses and motor vehicle laws of Virginia. Knowledge of
sentencing guidelines and procedure. A thorough knowledge of legal terminology, common practices
and proper legal citation form.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification required (this certification can be obtained
through on the job training.)
REQUIRED SKILLS
Computer Skills – Able to utilize a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related
software to effectively complete a variety of legal tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. Maintain
data in our case management system specifically designed for prosecution and other advance software
programs utilized by the Courts.
Interpersonal Relationships – Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with
employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and
organizations.
Time Management – plan and organize daily work routine. Estimate expected time of completion of
elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work activities in
accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and
possess the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
Judgement/Decision Making – have the ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
Communication – have the ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in
writing, to include the preparation of reports, complex legal documents and other correspondence for
distribution to Judges, attorneys and the general public. Have the ability to listen and understand
information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with
tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Paralegal – Requires graduation from high school or the equivalent. Completion of an accredited
Paralegal or Administration of Justice program or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, and/or 3 years of
experience in criminal justice or an equivalent of combination of education and experience in the
criminal justice field.
Senior Paralegal – Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 8 to 10 years of experience in
criminal justice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and
a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Some lifting, carrying,
pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve
extended periods of time at keyboard or work station. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and
discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals especially while viewing Axon videos.
Title: PARALEGAL
Company: City of Newport News
Location: Newport News, VA
Category:
