Paralegal (FT)

Closes: Until Filled

Exempt: No

Salary: (6) $16.50- $18.48/hr. Division: Legal

Shift: Day Department: ORA

Location: Tribal Administration

Supervisor: Legal Director

Duration: Regular Full-Time

Vacancies: 1

Job Summary

The Paralegal works under the supervision of the Legal Director and Staff Attorneys, and is responsible for routine legal issues, performing paraprofessional tasks, and carrying out a variety of paralegal, clerical, and administrative functions to facilitate effective operations of

the ORA, as assigned.

Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform legal tasks, including, but not limited to, arranging service of process, scheduling depositions, trial preparation, updating court calendar, reconciling office and court records, and other tasks as assigned.
• Prepare and file legal documents.
• Draft, format, proof, edit, and cite check legal documents in preparation for filing and/or recording of pleadings, formal complaints, discovery requests and responses, declarations, witness and exhibit disclosures, reports, requests for information, subpoenas, and other official documents.
• Perform legal research.
• Review, analyze, and summarize sources, compile information, and recommend action.
• Perform administrative tasks, including, but not limited to, timesheets, purchase orders, and travel requests.
• Establish and maintain databases while ensuring the accuracy of data.
• Draft, proof, and edit documents, including resolutions, legal reviews, correspondence, memos, and other documents.
• Maintain office calendars, arrange, and schedule meetings, and reserve conference rooms.
• Manage and maintain office files according to established systems; create new files, close/archive files, and complete office filing.
• Maintain office logs up-to-date and according to established standards.
• Provide internal and external communications on behalf of the office; answer and screen telephone calls and walk-in inquiries; occasionally, attend meetings or hearings on behalf of ORA attorneys to take notes.
• Provide Notary Public service for ORA Staff and others.
• Independently perform complex and diverse clerical and general office support functions according to office policy and procedure.
• General office responsibilities include printing, copying, faxing, scanning, office/printer supplies, receiving/sorting/routing mail, and other office needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate degree.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience with Litigation matters.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology, practices, and procedures is required.
• Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, or Paralegal Certification, preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a Legal Secretary, Legal Assistant, or relevant employment in a legal office, is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet eligibility requirements for tribal insurance.
• Lummi/Native American/Veteran preference policy applies.

Knowledge, Abilities, And Skills

• Working knowledge of legal terminology, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to use good judgment when evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology, practices, and procedures required.
• Proficient in preparing correspondence, memorandums, minutes, transcriptions, and presentation materials.
• Strong working knowledge of advanced functions of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook) required, and proficient in establishing and maintaining databases.
• Ability to draft basic legal documents, including, but not limited to, pleading, discovery, and legal opinions.
• Excellent reading, writing, typing, proofreading, editing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to independently, organize, and prioritize workloads and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently.
• Ability to organize and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records, and follow office procedures.
• Ability to manage highly confidential information with professionalism and unquestionable integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain good relations with Tribal officials, supervisors, fellow employees, tribal members, and the general public.
• Experience working with the Lummi community or other Native American communities is preferred.
• Willingness to participate in cultural events, volunteer programs, and other activities within the Lummi Nation community.

Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol test to be eligible for and maintain employment, as required by the LIBC Drug & Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy.
• The position requires Criminal Background Check.
• Must have or obtain a Washington Notary Public appointment.
• Ability to drive and travel locally as directed and in accordance with the Lummi Nation’s policies and procedures to complete tasks.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including two (2) doses of a 2-dose series, or one (1) dose of a 1-dose series, plus 14 days beyond the final dose prior to the start date.

To Apply

To obtain a Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) application go to: https://www.lummi-nsn.gov/widgets/JobsNow.php or request by e-mail [email protected] For more information contact the HR front desk (360) 312-2023. Submit LIBC application, cover letter, resume & reference letters no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date listed above. If listing degrees or certifications include copies. Mailing Address: 2665 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. Human Resource Fax number: 360-380-6991.