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Senior Paralegal - Air, Water Quality, & Energy/Federal & Interstate Water - $1000 Sign-on bonus!.

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Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Natural Resources and Environment Section is seeking two Senior Paralegals to join our tight knit team of professionals. This is an opportunity to use your skills supporting attorneys and preparing for litigation in a public service role. The right candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment where all team members are encouraged to innovate and contribute to the Units' priorities and case strategy. If you're looking for challenging and rewarding work in a fast-paced public service setting with flexible work arrangement opportunities, we invite you to apply so we can learn more about you!

The DOL is currently offering a sign-on bonus for new paralegal hires of $1,000.

Sign-On bonuses will be paid based on the following timeline:

$500.00 – Time of hire

$500.00 – 12 months after hire

Who We Are

The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.

Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/ .

Description Of Job

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

What You Will Do

The Senior Paralegal (Legal Assistant II) in the Air Quality, Water Quality and Energy units (LAA-00517), will work under the supervision of attorneys who provide legal services to the Energy Office, the Air Quality Control Commission, the Air Pollution Control Division, the Air Quality, Clean Fleet, and Community Access Enterprises, and the Office of Environmental Justice. This position will also support attorneys providing services to the Water Quality Control Division, the Water Quality Control Commission, the Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board, the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise, the Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability, and any other general legal services.

The Senior Paralegal (Legal Assistant II) in Federal & Interstate Water unit (LAA-00128), will work under the supervision of attorneys who provide legal representation and counsel to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Division of Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources, compact commissioners, State of Colorado, and other state agencies regarding water rights and water issues related to Colorado’s interstate streams.

We are looking for someone with a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and the desire to work in an environment that is fast paced, but also fun and interesting. This position is for you if you are excited about adding value to your team and your clients. The successful candidate will be able to absorb instructions quickly and put them into action without hesitation, while maintaining a clear line of communication with their supervising attorneys. They will be a go-getter with a desire to support their team and take meaningful ownership of every project and task assigned to them. If you are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and you take pride in your work, please apply!

Duties Include

General Counsel Support

  • Track and maintain deadlines for negotiations, cases, and other matters
  • Communicate with clients/parties/agencies to obtain information and to apprise clients of negotiation and case developments
  • Assist in the establishment, updating, and maintenance of computer systems and case files, including computer databases and software, for negotiation, general counsel support, litigation document control, and law office management
  • Review attorney work product for errors in form and content, ensuring memoranda are correctly formatted, that citation form is correct, and authority supports analysis, and that written analysis is free of typographical and grammatical errors, prepares final version for filing
  • Prepare final version for dissemination to client
  • Calendar all rulemaking scheduling; review rulemaking package, prehearing statements, and rulemaking opinions for errors in form and content, ensuring all pleadings are correctly formatted, that citation form is correct and authority supports analysis; prepare final version for filing.
  • Maintain and organize case files, including confidential materials

Litigation Support, Research and Investigations

  • Research legal issues and provides oral and written analysis
  • Draft basic motions, notices and related documentation
  • Assist unit attorneys and clients with pleadings, discovery, testimony and hearing preparation
  • Review court filing for errors in form and content, ensuring all pleadings are correctly formatted, that citation form is correct, and authority supports analysis, and that written analysis is free of typographical and grammatical errors
  • Maintain complete files with copies of all records created by the unit, the client and the commission, organized as determined by unit supervisor and team leader

Trial & Hearing Preparation Assistance

  • Work with case team on motions and discovery plan
  • Draft basic motions, notices and related documentation
  • Review and edit all pleadings and briefs to ensure the form complies with court rules and office policies, and that content is free of grammatical or typographical error
  • Arrange and attend depositions and meetings as requested by attorney; schedules hearings; identifies and prepares exhibits and trial notebooks; develops and assists with demonstrative and electronic exhibit presentations.
  • Monitor incoming pleadings, orders, decisions, and updates calendars accordingly
  • Calendar all subpoena scheduling; review all motions to protect witness; review documents and prepare final version for filing.

Discovery

  • Assist with the implementation of and compliance with procedural discovery requirements by drafting discovery requests
  • Draft discovery responses, interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and responses to discovery requests
  • Calendar and manage response deadlines, assisting in the gathering and organizing of potentially responsive information and documents from client agencies

This recruitment may be used to fill other Paralegal positions in the Natural Resources and Environment section.

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a dynamic individual who thrives in fast paced, fun, collaborative environments and is not afraid to own projects and look for new ways to add value their team and clients.

Minimum Qualifications: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated.

This Position Requires

  • Three years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which must have included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources.

OR

  • Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution AND one year of work experience as a paralegal which must have included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources.

OR

  • A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school AND one year of work experience as a paralegal which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources.

Please document all relevant experience in detail in the work experience section of your application. It is in your best interest to be descriptive about your qualifications.

Necessary Competencies: Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will demonstrate some or all of the qualifications below:

  • A growth mindset
  • Positive attitude and a desire to learn from their colleagues
  • Deep investment in their work, with ownership over their projects and a desire to add value to the team
  • Ability to anticipate the needs and take action to support the attorneys in the unit
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to keep up with a fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, client agencies, and other paralegals
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as with team members
  • Some experience with litigation and supporting attorneys in administrative proceedings
  • Experience working with various computer programs including timekeeping, document management, and litigation software.
  • Relevant State of Colorado experience in a paralegal capacity

Conditions of Employment:

  • Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Both in-person and remote work will be required.
  • Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.

How To Apply

Required Application Materials:

  • A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.
  • Resume: A detailed resume outlining your background skills and experiences including previously held positions and academic background. Any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet any of the listed preferred qualifications is highly encouraged. Your resume will be reviewed as part of the comparative analysis process.
  • Cover Letter: A brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position, relevant experience and any additional information you'd like to share as it relates to your interest in the position.

Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.

Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Mercedes Chansisourath at [email protected].

Assessment Information :Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.

  • Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
  • Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned.
  • Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures , Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes , at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility

We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values

Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Employees

We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our employees grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits

In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA , and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

  • Medical and dental health plans
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness – The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a repayment plan while working full-time for a qualified employer.
  • Free access to an on-site fitness center
  • Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans
  • Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
  • Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at [email protected] .