Update: Paralegal Comp Study Zoom Meeting

Dear OCEA member,

I want to thank those OCEA members and workplace leaders who participated in the virtual Paralegal Classification and Compensation Study Zoom meeting Nov. 16th. Here is a brief recap of the discussion:

Adding a new classification
The Committee previously reached out to the County to discuss the feasibility of creating a new classification. Unfortunately, the County did not perceive a need to do so. As a result of the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, County agencies have been directed to tighten their budgets and are not open to adding a new classification to this series.

Market study findings/Filling vacant positions
The market portion of the study identified Orange County as being at the median of comparable agencies. Therefore, the County will not support any special salary increase. As for staff vacancies, current guidelines call for agencies to go through a process with the CEO’s Office to justify filling every position requested.

Next steps
The County has agreed to review the market conditions of this classification again in November 2021. 

We know you have patiently anticipated this study. While it may not have resulted in the outcome we hoped for, the good news is that there will soon be an opportunity to again review the classification. The Paralegal Classification and Compensation Committee will be meeting soon so stay tuned for additional updates. Please contact me at sregaye@ocea.org should you have any questions or concerns. You can also reach out to Committee members. 

Thank you for your participation, all of your hard work, and I hope you and your families have a safe and happy holiday!

In Solidarity,

Saliem Aregaye
Labor Relations Representative

Publication Date: November 25, 2020