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A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Job Description

Johnson County Government, in Olathe, Kansas, is actively recruiting for an experienced Paralegal/Legal Support Specialist with an interest and/or expertise in local government legal practice. We are one of the nation’s premier counties, providing comprehensive services to its citizens in its role as a leading organization in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and we offer an interesting as well as challenging legal career in a department of ten professional attorneys. We prefer applicants with governmental experience and an aspiration for public service.

Responsibilities

The Paralegal/Legal Support Specialist position provides para-professional and support services for the Legal Department, working with a group of ten attorneys and two other paralegals, covering a very diverse legal practice. This position will work most closely with the attorneys responsible for the assessment and collection of real estate taxes, tax and mortgage foreclosure actions, bankruptcy proceedings, public safety including emergency management, corrections, med-act, and employment law matters. The person selected will be expected to perform the following essential duties:

• Prepare, draft, compile and review pleadings and other legal documents to initiate, respond to, or process legal actions related to tax foreclosure sales, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy claims, or other legal proceedings, including the electronic filing with courts and other tribunals.
• Conduct legal and factual research utilizing a variety of technologies, including Westlaw, land record technologies and legal descriptions, spreadsheets, and social media applications.
• Interact professionally with government officials, citizens, court personnel, attorneys, and legal representatives to respond to or make inquiries and to provide or obtain information.
• Provide para-professional and/or administrative assistance related to confidential matters such as personnel issues and claims filed with the state or federal agencies or related to the conduct of elections.
• Provides administrative assistance for legal proceedings; procures and prepares evidence and assists with presentation of evidence utilizing a variety of technologies; drafts/compiles legal documents; assists in preparing case files, jury trials, hearings, and post-trial dispositions; maintains calendars and lists for hearings, dockets, and courts; completes general correspondence and assists in courtroom proceedings by transcribing court oral orders; copies, files, and distributes documents.
• Provide a wide range of support services in the operation of a legal office, including greeting persons contacting the office, answering telephones, sorting mail and other written materials for the office, filing papers and documents, maintaining books and materials in the library, and assisting with work as necessary for the office to complete its responsibilities.    

• High school diploma or equivalent; four (4) years of law office experience and a valid Driver's License are required. Capability to use and some degree of experience using major forms of software, including Microsoft, Westlaw, HighQ Matter Management Software, court records, and land records systems also required.
• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies and one-year legal support, including legal research support and/or Professional Paralegal Certification is preferred.
• The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes: being a self-starter, quick learner, possessing excellent organizational and technical skills, and having experience with legal database management.
• Experience can substitute for education. Education can substitute for experience.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.