Legal Research Aide (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3302

PAY GRADE: 1160

SALARY RANGE: $32,215 - $54,842

LOCATION OF WORK
Parish Attorney

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This is paraprofessional legal research and related work in the Parish Attorney's Office. Work involves performing legal research and writing opinion letters and memoranda on research cases for use by staff attorneys in preparing their legal opinions and cases. Employees of this class may work on a part-time basis. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a professional supervisor, who assigns projects, gives preliminary instructions, and reviews work in process and upon completion for quality and adherence to established legal standards. Performs other work as requested. Note: Some employees within this classification are hired on a part-time basis and paid at an hourly rate.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Performs on a part-time basis, a variety of professional legal research and related work in assisting professional attorneys or administrative officials. Researches and analyzes statutes, case law and administrative regulations to prepare legal memoranda for use by attorneys in drafting briefs, petitions, contracts, opinions and other legal instruments using digests, reporters, citators, treatises, legal periodicals and other materials. May make preliminary review of abstractors' reports and otherwise assist attorneys engaged in examining land titles curative actions and writing title opinions. Assists attorneys in researching and compiling data for use in connection with pending litigation concerning matters related to property transfer or acquisition; interviews complainants and witnesses to gather evidence; locates witnesses and victims and advises them on their case status. May assist in the preparation of cases for court including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs and other legal papers; analyzes police reports to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge the accused with a violation of a statute or ordinance, recommends prosecution or dismissal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in Louisiana legal research, including the various sources of legal information. Knowledge of civil law property, law of conventional obligations, criminal and tort law, constitutional law, basic civil procedure, contract law, criminal justice administration and Louisiana's civil law system. Skill in legal research and the use of various source materials. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, other employees and the general public. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to do thorough legal research and follow-through on assignments. Ability to express ideas thoroughly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals. Ability to employ legal analysis to analyze facts, evidence, cases, statutes and arrive at logical conclusions. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS