PARALEGAL 1 (Aoki Water Justice Clinic Paralegal)

The University of California, Davis, School of Law is a top tier US law school. Its mission is to provide legal research, education, and outreach. The outstanding scholarly reputation, high rankings, small size, dedicated faculty of internationally renowned scholars, and uniquely support learning environment combine for an experience of legal education that is second to none to the students. The King Hall School of Law has consistently placed among the best in the US News and World Report rankings and other polls and is expect to continue its upward trajectory for years to come. The UC Davis School of Law offers a three-year full-time program leading to the Juris Doctor Degree, as well of programs for LL.M. and combined degrees.
The Aoki Water Justice Clinic: Small Farmer Assistance Project is a legal clinic, pursuant to a grant from the Water Foundation and funding from the Department of Water Resources, the Clinic will provide technical legal assistance to small farmers related to the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“SGMA”) and other water issues. The Clinic’s mission is to improve the sustainability of rural and small water systems; advocate for the inclusion of rural and low-income communities in water management decisions, and ensure that all Californians have access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water.

Job Summary

The University of California, Davis, School of Law seeks a Paralegal for its Aoki Water Justice Clinic: Small Farmer Assistance Project. Pursuant to a grant from the Water Foundation and funding from the Department of Water Resources, the Clinic will provide technical legal assistance to underrepresented communities related to the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“SGMA”). Specific activities and functions the Paralegal will undertake in collaboration with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers on behalf of the Clinic include, but are not limited to:
• Under general supervision of the Water Justice Clinical Director, independently provide executive level analytical and paralegal support for the delivery of legal services for the Water Justice Clinic. Prepare for and attend state and local public meetings, administrative hearings, and court hearings
• Manage and track expenditures and reimbursements, as well as grant deliverables, for grant reports and invoicing on a weekly basis.
• Serve as a knowledge manager for data, correspondence, subject matter files, reports, and other documentation associated with legal and compliance matters handled by the clinic.
• Work with Director, staff attorneys and clinical students in the preparation and filing of all documents for meetings and hearings. Independently perform analytical research and gather information for the preparation of legal briefs. Research and write procedures.
• Analyze and assess business processes, develop goals and plans for resolution, and implement actions for improved systems. Maintain database and records systems. Assist the webmaster with website content.
• Applies professional concepts to conduct analytical studies of limited scope and complexity to address a variety of legal or policy issues. Applies skills to fully analyze issues and problems, gather data and information, find and evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations.

1-year contract with the possibility of renewal based on grant funding.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Maneuver case files carried in boxes weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting and use of keyboard. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Work occasional overtime.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum License/ Certification:

• Paralegal certification or equivalent.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience working with transactional law, local government, municipal, land use, water or other legal areas. Knowledge of legal terminology, practices, forms and the legal system.
• Experience with accepted law office systems and procedures for calendaring, billing, bookkeeping, time keeping, and general office management.
• Experience working with confidential information and sensitive data and exercising discretion in dealing with confidential or potentially sensitive topics.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Analytical, research and problem-solving skills to extract, interpret and evaluate data from various sources, independently summarize information, and organize data and materials into a comprehensive package.
• Organization and time management skills to prioritize a high-volume workload with competing deadlines, establish systems to track and meet a variety of deadlines, follow through to solutions, and give attention to detail.
• Oral and written communication skills to independently formulate and express ideas and concepts; to respond to correspondence and requests; and to draft and edit correspondence, reports, presentations and other documentation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Experience using the Internet, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw or other online systems to research information, Familiarity with data management software.
• Experience supporting attorneys in a professional legal environment; skilled in legal terminology.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Experience using the Internet, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw or other online systems to research information, Familiarity with data management software.
• Experience supporting attorneys in a professional legal environment; skilled in legal terminology.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 . 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .