Performing research, handling paperwork, helping with projects, taking part in client interviews, and learning about daily affairs in the legal field under the ultimate direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
 

• Follow the State Bar of Texas, Paralegal Division Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and the Texas Paralegal’s Creed.
• Assist attorney in drafting, reviewing, and managing documents.
• Assist attorney in gathering information from other City departments, conducting interviews to gain information.
• Filing information in practice management system, paper filing system.
• Prepare drafts of letters and memoranda related to municipal functions and city business.
• If requested by an attorney or City Manager, attend City Council meetings and other board and commission meetings as needed to take notes and assist attorney during meetings.
• Assist attorney in criminal and civil litigation including witness interview and preparation, drafting, and drafting documents.
• Prepare for pre-trial conferences and hearings by organizing evidence, statements, reports, and criminal history for City Attorney.
• Attending pre-trial conferences, municipal court hearings, and other proceedings as directed.
• Effectively collaborate on work with colleagues and attorneys.
• Use legal research platforms to print, save, or forward cases, statutes, or other materials.
• Read, interpret, and apply federal and state statutes, municipal ordinances, policies, procedures, case law and other guidelines. 
• Maintain confidentiality, and exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Respond to inquiries from the public appropriately.
• Attending professional development training as requested or required.
• Perform clerical tasks and business errands for attorney as needed, including, but not limited to: type, answer phones, check voicemail, fax, file, mail, copy, keyboard, deliver or pick-up documents outside the office, and maintain calendar and tickler system.
• Assist with clerical and secretarial duties for the City Manager, City Council and Public Works Departments.
• Assist with departmental purchasing requisitions and payment reports for Finance Department.
• Assist with clerical and secretarial duties for the City Manager, City Council, and Public Works department.
• Additional duties assigned by attorney or City Manager.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of college desired.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Knowledge of English, grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation; knowledge of legal writing, format, citations etc. 
• Knowledge of or ability to become conversant with municipal government, the city charter and city ordinances, policies, and procedures, municipal law, contract law, and real estate law.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good time management skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn new procedures.
• Analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to do detailed work with little error.
• Ability to function in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability and willingness to track and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• Use records maintenance systems including indexing, filing, and retrieval functions.
• Ability and willingness to attend court sessions locally.
• Ability to answer and operate desk telephone and voicemail.
• Typing proficiency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, word processing, e-mail.
• Ability and willingness to learn how to use technologies such as practice management systems, video conferencing, data management, search engines, customer relationship management software, business software, spreadsheets, PDF software, Internet software, and messaging.
• Skill in use of calculator, copier, postage machine and facsimile machine.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license for the vehicle or type of vehicles operated.