Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Paralegal I

Non_Bargaining

CL-CLG01

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

NB108

Hourly

$24.88

$31.73

$38.57

Job Description

Performs paraprofessional, legal support services for attorneys in one of the civil or criminal sections of the City Attorney's Office. Performs a variety of specialized confidential tasks relating to case and project management, including preparation of case files and preparing drafts of legal documents, gathering tasks, documents and information, summarizing information and documents, communicating with various City departments, maintaining calendars and meeting deadlines for matters in administrative or court litigation, coordinating with attorneys, utilizing office and court technology systems, and general administrative assistance as needed. Work is reviewed through observation, conversation, and evaluation of results achieved.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Legal Services or related field and two (2) years experience in a law or judicial office as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal, one (1) year of which must have been as a Paralegal working in an area relevant to the area of assignment (criminal law, real property, or general civil); or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A paralegal certificate may substitute for the requirement of one year of paralegal work. Must demonstrate the ability to type at least 35 words per minute. Some positions may be required to pass a police background investigation, which includes polygraph.

Additional Qualifications for Promotion

Promotions are not to be considered an automatic function of longevity and are subject to the review and authorization of the Supervisor. The employee’s last performance review must have resulted in an overall rating of Meets standards or better with no factor rating of less than meets.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

A Paralegal assigned to the Criminal Section:
Handles the administrative processing of all cases presented to the office pursuant to the Contraband Forfeiture Act, including factual investigation, collection and preparation of necessary documents, and routing correspondence and communication with interested parties.

Investigates claims and legal complaints against the Police Department; interviews officers, collects pertinent documents, analyzes case and reports findings to Legal Advisor and Chief of Police.

Also coordinates with Office of Legal Affairs, outside counsel on appropriate disposition of cases.

Assists with public records requests.

A Paralegal assigned to the Land Development and Transactions section:
Researches and prepares drafts of legal documents such as complaints, responses and cross claims in connection with the Code Enforcement Board, foreclosures, and complaints against the City; researches City property lines and composes correspondence relative to all research.

Maintains real estate form files; drafts documents such as deeds, easements licenses, developer's agreements, and contracts.

A Paralegal assigned to the General Civil Section (Risk Management):
Performs all aspects of litigation case management and project management, including calendaring and meeting deadlines.

Investigates and collects information, including reports, witness statements, contracts, and other pertinent documents.

Communicates with City employees, managers, risk management personnel, outside counsel, and opposing counsel offices.

Prepares drafts of legal documents, formal discovery requests, notices, and interrogatories; conducts background checks; prepares medical summaries, deposition, and witness summaries.

Performs state and federal court filings, assists/performs scheduling.

Performs deposition, hearing, and trial prep, with attendance and administrative support as needed.

A Paralegal assigned to the General Civil Section (HR and general)
Assists with the gathering of information and summarizing materials related to EEOC or FCHR charges, grievances and arbitrations, and employment litigation.

Maintains calendars and sets hearings for employment litigation.

Assists outside counsel in employment matters with gathering information, contacting witnesses, scheduling meetings, and depositions.

Prepares drafts of documents in employment matters.

Assists counsel during arbitrations and litigation.

Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of legal proceedings and legal documents.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, case management software, and state and federal court filing systems highly desired.

Knowledge of case and project management, records management, and calendaring.

Ability to perform routine to complex administrative support activities, research and compile data, draft legal documents for attorney review, and prepare correspondence and reports.

Ability to compile, analyze, and condense large amounts of information into clear, concise form for attorney review.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to calendar and meet deadlines.