Paralegal

Job Duties:

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for prosecuting those charged with violating the criminal laws of Virginia in Virginia Beach. We are seeking a paralegal to perform complex work of a technical and frequently confidential nature.

Duties can include:

• Preparing correspondence and legal papers
• Performing research as necessary; drafting legal documents and court orders at the request of an attorney or on own initiative
• Creating indictments and jury instructions; preparing electronic discovery
• Assisting attorneys in case preparation and trials; updating database to reflect correct and current docket information
• Acting as a liaison with witnesses and government agencies (e.g., Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Probation & Parole, Clerk’s Offices, Secretary of the Commonwealth and Attorney General)
• Assisting with the review of body-worn camera videos; performing audio/visual editing and redactions
• Utilizing multimedia equipment
• Adhering to deadlines; working independently and as a team
• Performing clerical duties to include answering telephone and email inquiries; and handling criminal work and some civil work.

In order to be a successful candidate in this position, you must be able to manage multiple tasks, organize detailed information, and understand and follow complex instructions. Paralegals will actively assist attorneys to prepare for court hearings. Paralegals are responsible for drafting discovery for cases in each court; this can include drafting the detailed response, redacting specific information, and sending it electronically. We also desire candidates who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, works well under pressure and meet deadlines. The candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Lastly, the selected candidates should be able to sit and operate a computer terminal for up to 6 hours each day.

The preferences for this position include:

• Professional experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
• Professional experience with Virginia criminal law
• Experience working in a Commonwealth's Attorney office
• Experience drafting complex legal documents; including pleadings, motions, and orders
• Experience preparing and sending discovery responses, including e-discovery
• Experience supporting attorneys in court and/or with trial preparation
• Experience with multimedia equipment and audio/visual editing software
• Experience working with Body-worn camera and digital evidence

Why Work with Us?

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offers a unique opportunity to serve your community while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, this is a great place to grow professionally and personally.

At the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, balanced, and rewarding work environment for our employees. As part of our commitment to your success and well-being, we offer a wide range of incentives and benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Incentives and Benefits:

• Teleworking: Ability to work from home on a periodic basis depending on your job responsibilities.
• Generous Paid Time Off: With 15 paid holidays each year, we ensure you have ample time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Your health is our priority. Our benefits package includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
• Peer Support Program: Office provides a peer support team to provide resources and assist supporting the mental health of staff.
• Life Insurance Coverage: Feel secure knowing you are covered with life insurance as part of our commitment to your long-term well-being.
• Robust Retirement Benefits: We want you to have peace of mind for the future. Take advantage of our competitive retirement plan options, including a pension program, to help you plan for a comfortable retirement.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: We understand the burden of student loans. Since we are public service, many employees have the potential for public service student loan forgiveness programs to ease your financial journey.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Whether you're pursuing a degree or continuing education, we support your professional growth with tuition reimbursement programs to assist with educational expenses.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Work Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals in a positive and inclusive environment that values teamwork, integrity, and service to the community.

This position is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information and to apply for this position please visit virginiabeach.gov.

Official City Job Description:

Working Conditions:

Minimum Requirements:

MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to five (5) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills and abilities and associated with such positions as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant. Must possess a Paralegal/Legal Assistant Degree or Certificate; or obtain a Paralegal/Legal Assistant Degree or Certificate within 18 months of employment.

Additional Requirements:

Preferences:

Professional experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant; Professional experience with Virginia criminal law; Experience working in a Commonwealth's Attorney office; Experience drafting complex legal documents; including pleadings, motions, and orders; Experience preparing and sending discovery responses, including e-discovery; Experience supporting attorneys in court and/or with trial preparation;
Experience with updating databases with case updates, such as new court dates and case dispositions; Experience working with Body-worn camera and digital evidence.

Special Instructions:

• Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
• Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
• You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.

V RS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.