Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2-AG

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is currently seeking an organized and detail-oriented individual for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 for our Criminal Justice Section- Corrections Litigation Unit. This position provides paralegal support and assists attorneys as needed with cases. The position will work a hybrid in-person/remote schedule. There may be changes to this schedule based on training and operational needs. The headquarter location is 30 E. Broad St., Columbus Ohio.

The Criminal Justice Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s office represents the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Department of Youth Services and its employees in suits brought by inmates and youths in Ohio’s correctional systems. The Corrections Litigation Unit represents ODRC in both state and federal courts in defending against Section 1983 civil rights actions, mandamus actions, public records actions, and wrongful imprisonment actions.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Researches federal and/or state statutes, recorded judicial decisions, and other legal sources and reference materials in order to prepare responses to inquiries, complaints, claims, and legal/administrative procedural issues to assist section attorneys.

- Performs Internet and other computer-assisted searches for information and documents.

- Assists in the preparation and presentation of cases in litigation, including document review, verification and organization.

- Communicates with the prison staff/officials to request documents, investigative materials, medical records, and digital/video evidence. Reviews material for completeness.

- Reviews material for information relevant to the defense.

- Drafts initial response to discovery requests, such as interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents. Coordinates with the prison to obtain responsive discovery materials.

- Helps prepare and respond to public records requests made to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

- Contacts opposing counsel and/or court personnel as may be necessary to assist in case preparation and presentation of cases.

- Assesses, logs and indexes incoming and outgoing electronic and paper document productions. Performs additional review for confidential and privileged information and performs necessary redactions.

- Uses document management software to prepare legal correspondence; uses case management software.

- Drafts legal briefs and memoranda, pleadings, motions, affidavits, and settlement agreements.

- Prepares case summaries, legal documents and reports for review, approval and signature of an/or use by section attorneys.

- Maintains case calendars and case files.

- Reviews local practice rules to calculate the due date for any court filings.

- Manually and/or electronically files legal documents with courts on behalf of attorneys.

- Prepare trial binders and exhibits in accordance with local rules and standing orders.

- Responds to general inquiries.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

The Attorney General’s Office is a dynamic organization that offers career opportunities across many different disciplines to people from all backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate in any way. All people are equal under the law, and it is so at the AGO. This is a workplace where talent gains you entry and performance determines your career path. Staff can join and lead employee resource groups and participate in online or in-person events to learn about the experiences of others.

Employees of the Attorney General's Office must have been in their current positions for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for consideration.

The Attorney General's Office may fill additional, similar positions as a result of this posting.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AGO#: 26-11-157

Background Check Information:
Selected candidate(s) will be subject to the following background checks:
Criminal history
Driving record
Taxes
Drug Test

In addition, an Internet search may be conducted of publicly available and job related information through social media(Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) or through the use of search engines (Google, Bing, etc.)

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.