Paralegal Specialist (Hybrid)

Introduction

\r\nAre you seeking your next opportunity with a strong passion for tax law?\r\nIf so, look no further, we encourage you to consider joining our team!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe State of Connecticut, Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is recruiting a Paralegal Specialist within the Legal Services Bureau.\r\n\r\nThis position will be located in our Downtown Hartford office at 450 Columbus Boulevard. \r\n\r\nWhat We Can Offer You:\r\n\r\n\r\n Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!\r\n Professional growth and development opportunities.\r\n A healthy work/life balance to all employees.\r\n\r\nPosition Highlights:\r\nThe Paralegal Specialists will work under the direction of, and continuously learn from, DRS' Tax Litigation Director and DRS' General Counsel. This position will be located in the Litigation Subdivision and will assist the Tax Attorneys in the Litigation Subdivision with preparing bankruptcy claims.\r\n\r\nIn this position, you will have the opportunity to:\r\n\r\n\r\n Be exposed to all aspects of Connecticut tax law and associated collections law across all 40+ of Connecticut's state taxes;\r\n Work side by side with DRS' litigation tax attorneys to protect the Commissioner's interests in bankruptcy litigation and to aid in ensuring DRS' collections efforts are equitable, legal, and fair;\r\n Coordinate the Commissioner's interests in bankruptcy litigation with the Office of the Attorney General;\r\n Assist in the preparation and filing of bankruptcy claims; and\r\n Research issues and draft routine memoranda, affidavits, and other legal documents.\r\n\r\nWork Schedule\r\n\r\n\r\n These positions will work on first shift, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Monday to Friday.\r\n Hybrid.\r\n\r\nOur Mission: \r\nThe mission of the Department of Revenue Services is to instill public confidence in the integrity and fairness of tax collection; achieve the highest level of voluntary taxpayer compliance; continuously improve agency performance; contribute to the fiscal and economic well-being of the state; and provide a positive and professional workplace. \r\n\r\n\r\nFor an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:�\r\nCheck out our�Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?� Visit our�Applicant Toolkit�for additional support throughout the recruitment process.�\r\nBEFORE YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n Meet Minimum Qualifications:�Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. �\r\n Educational Credits:�List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.�\r\n Resume Policy:�Per�Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.�\r\n Preferred Shift/Location:�Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.�\r\n Timely Submission:�All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. �Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing�DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.�\r\n Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.�\r\n\r\n\r\n Note: The�only way�to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.\r\n\r\nAFTER YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your�Personal Status Board�regularly.\r\n For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”\r\n Referral Questions:�This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).� �\r\n\r\n\r\n Prepare For An Interview:�Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful�Interview Preparation Guide�to make the best impression!�\r\n Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.��\r\n The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.��\r\n Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at�www.ct.gov/ethics.\r\n\r\n\r\n This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.\r\n\r\nQUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\nDue to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Brianna Linehan at Brianna.Linehan@ct.gov.�\r\nJoin the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!\r\n

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for providing advanced paralegal support in a highly complex legal unit. This class provides advanced technical leadership, research and consultation in the areas of preparing draft legal documents and draft decisions of highly complex cases, and is a resource regarding issues, procedures, process and timeframe as related to cases and presenting legal matters as needed.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs highly complex paralegal duties as defined in one or both of the following areas:\r\nLEGAL OFFICE OPERATIONS\r\n\r\n\r\n Interprets complex state statutes and federal regulations governing legal records and documents;�\r\n Determines and applies applicable state statute and/or regulation in preparing documentation;�\r\n Interprets court rules and agency policies and regulations;�\r\n Keeps abreast of the latest court rules, calendar changes and pending legislation;�\r\n Monitors and adheres to court deadlines;�\r\n Reviews legal documents and prepares legal documents such as briefs, writs and pleadings for court filings;�\r\n Responds to relevant case information requests from courts;�\r\n Performs legal research and analysis of law sources such as statutes, legal articles, legal decisions, opinions, rulings, memoranda and other legal material;�\r\n Prepares draft legal documents;�\r\n Provides assistance in the discovery process;�\r\n Provides paralegal assistance by interpreting applicable legal provisions, regulations, precedents and policies;�\r\n Responds to requests and obtains information of sensitive nature;�\r\n Acts as liaison between agency, court system, relevant attorney’s offices and general public;�\r\n Serves as agency liaison regarding relevant policies and procedures;�\r\n Prepares legal and administrative reports;�\r\n Updates and maintains case records, pleadings, policy manuals and filing systems;�\r\n Assists in the drafting of proposed legislation and advisory opinions; provides training and assistance to staff;�\r\n May perform business mathematical computations;�\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n\r\nCASE PRESENTATION OR HEARING\r\n\r\n\r\n Analyzes highly complex cases;�\r\n Develops positions and strategies to settle or litigate cases at formal or informal hearings;�\r\n Prepares for and represents the state’s interest at hearings or through case presentation;�\r\n Researches and gathers relevant evidence and documentation;�\r\n Interviews witnesses and clients;�\r\n Drafts legal documents, complaints, stipulations, detailed memoranda, letters and proposed findings and awards reviews substantiation appeals and provides recommendation to management regarding the legal sufficiency of substantiation findings;�\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n Considerable knowledge of\r\n \r\n legal processes and procedures;�\r\n legal terminology and legal forms;�\r\n legal research techniques;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Knowledge of\r\n \r\n relevant agency policies and procedures;�\r\n and the ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and legislation;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Considerable\r\n \r\n interpersonal skills;�\r\n oral and written communication skills;\r\n skill in fact finding techniques including interviewing clients and compiling evidence;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Considerable ability to\r\n \r\n evaluate pertinent facts, cases and evidence and compile and assemble such legal data;�\r\n compose correspondence and draft legal documents;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Ability to\r\n \r\n understand complex laws and related reports;�\r\n utilize computer software.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

The General Experience is defined as one of the following:\r\n\r\n\r\n A Bachelor’s degree in legal studies and one (1) year of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney; OR\r\n An Associate’s degree in legal studies and three (3) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney; OR\r\n Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program approved by the American Bar Association and three (3) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney; OR\r\n Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program consisting of a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney; OR\r\n Completion of a Paralegal or Legal Assistance Certificate Program from a business school approved by the State of Connecticut, Office of Higher Education and four (4) years of experience providing paraprofessional legal assistance to an attorney; OR\r\n A Law degree from an accredited Law School.\r\n\r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n Experience with federal and Connecticut civil litigation including e-filing and preparation of routine pleadings, motions, memoranda, and settlement agreements.\r\n Experience conducting routine legal research.\r\n\r\n

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.� As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.\r\n