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Put your litigation experience to work on cases that matter. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Paralegal to join our Legal Team. In this role, you will work closely with an assigned attorney in the defense of the Agency’s automobile negligence cases, providing comprehensive litigation and administrative support throughout the life of a case. From preparing pleadings and managing discovery to reviewing medical records, coordinating court filings, and tracking critical deadlines, your expertise will help keep complex litigation organized, efficient, and moving forward.

 

The ideal candidate is an experienced litigation paralegal with a strong understanding of civil pleadings, discovery, medical records, court procedures, and automobile negligence cases. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable exercising independent judgment while managing multiple priorities and confidential information. The successful candidate takes initiative, anticipates case needs, follows through on outstanding matters, and works collaboratively with attorneys, expert witnesses, and others involved in the litigation process.

 

If you enjoy being an integral part of a legal team and thrive on the details that help build and manage a strong case, this is an opportunity to bring your experience to a unique public-sector legal environment. Join a team where your knowledge, initiative, and attention to detail directly support the Agency and its mission.


Salary: Consideration given for relevant experience.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime position

The background investigation process may take up to 6 weeks depending upon the complexity of the applicant's background and position for which they've applied.

Job Description: 

Under the general direction of the General Counsel, performs work which is primarily legal in nature, including assisting a senior attorney in the defense of the Agency’s automobile negligence cases. The member must have an extensive understanding of civil pleadings, discovery, medical records and summaries, billing summaries, and working with expert witnesses. The member must be familiar with filing and retrieving documents from the court, as well as familiar with the scheduling of court hearings and trials. 

The member is also assigned a variety of complex clerical tasks requiring independent judgment and action. The member will assist the attorney with a goal toward working as a team to improve the attorney's productivity and efficiency. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No
 

  • Drafts routine pleadings for review and editing by the attorney
  • Creates pleading shells for pleadings requiring attorney's preparation
  • Reviews pleadings before finalization
  • Files state pleadings electronically
  • Drafts correspondence where appropriate
  • Maintains and communicate tasks/pending matters lists
  • Follows up on outstanding matters with and without reminders by attorney
  • Schedules calendar response deadlines in conjunction with attorney
  • Compiles, organizes and maintains discovery files and records
  • Reviews discovery responses to determine record requests
  • Prepares Subpoena Duces Tecum and monitor collection of records
  • Drafts discovery pleadings and organize and monitor responses
  • Prepares medical records summaries, chronologies and medical expense charts
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position
  • This position may be considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, may be required to report to work
  • Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

 

Qualifications

  • High School graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education
  • Five (5) years’ litigation experience as a paralegal, 3 of which involve auto negligence
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) preferred
  • Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of legal format and legal terminology
  • Knowledge of Internet software; and spreadsheet and word processing software
  • Knowledge of business English, spelling and punctuation
  • Ability to prepare pleadings, legal documents and legal correspondence
  • Ability to deal with the public and fellow members in an effective and courteous manner
  • Ability to work independently on confidential paralegal and secretarial tasks
  • Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

 

Physical Abilities

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to:
 

  • Sit up to 7 hours per day
  • Stand up to 1 hour per day
  • Walk up to 1 hour per day
  • Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.
  • Occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel, and twist