About Us:
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has played a vital role in shaping Ohio’s past and present and the work it does today helps chart the state’s future. The office consists of nearly 30 distinct sections that advocate for consumers and victims of crime, assist the criminal justice community, provide legal counsel for state offices and agencies, and enforce certain state laws. In these and other capacities, staff members interact with tens of thousands of Ohioans each year.
What You’ll Do:
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 inmate and youths in Ohio’s correctional systems. The Corrections Unit represents the departments and their employees in suits brought by inmates. The Habeas Corpus Unit represents the state in both state and federal court in habeas corpus actions brought by inmates not on death row, and the Capital Crimes Unit, which represents the state in habeas corpus actions by inmates sentenced to death.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is currently seeking an individual for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 for our Criminal Justice- Habeas Corpus Unit Section. The Habeas Corpus Unit handles a high volume of state and federal habeas corpus litigation. Paralegals assigned to the unit support the attorney by collecting and organizing often complex state court records; identifying the issues presented in habeas petitions, and preparing the first draft of the case history to be included in the State’s response to federal petitions. Paralegals also have a significant role in preparing and drafting the State’s response in state habeas corpus actions. Successful applicants will be skilled researchers, strong, clear, and organized writers, and detail-oriented.
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 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
-Helps prepare and respond to discovery requests and public records requests
-Contacts opposing counsel or court/board 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
-Uses document management software to prepare legal correspondence; uses case management software
-Drafts legal briefs and memoranda, contracts, pleadings, motions, affidavits, legislation, rules and/or regulations
-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
-Manually and/or electronically files legal documents with court on behalf of attorneys
-Responds to general inquiries
-Performs other duties as assigned
What’s in it for you:
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
- Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
- Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period . Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.
Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth/Adoption leave
Employee Development Funds
- The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
- OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.
Deferred Compensation
- The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.
Qualifications
Associate’s degree OR Bachelor’s core program in paralegal studies or related field AND successful completion of certificated program for paralegal or legal assistant AND 48 mos. exp. as Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1, 63810.
-Or, Associate’s degree OR Bachelor’s core program in paralegal studies or related field AND successful completion of certificated program for paralegal or legal assistant AND 48 mos. exp. in legal research & writing.
-Or successful completion of 24 mos. of education from an accredited law school.
-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.