This temporary position performs paraprofessional, legal support services for attorneys in the Law Department. The employee assigned to this classification performs a variety of specialized confidential tasks involving legal research, preparation of case files and legal documents, and general administrative assistance as needed.? Conducts legal research as assigned, either in-house or at the Law Library, including shepherding cases; summarizes information and presents findings to attorneys;
? Investigates claims and legal complaints against the Police Department; interviews officers, collects pertinent documents, analyzes cases and reports findings to City Attorney and Police Chief; coordinates with outside counsel on appropriate disposition of cases;
? Handles public records requests;
? Researches and prepares drafts of legal documents, such as complaints, responses, and cross claims in connection with Code Enforcement, foreclosures, and complaints against the City; researches City property lines and composes correspondence relative to all research;
? Drafts documents such as deeds, easements licenses, developer’s agreements and contracts;
? Attempts to recover money owed the City as a result of unpaid bills, rents, leases, license fees or bad checks through standard collections methods, including preparation of court pleadings and notices of claims in bankruptcy proceedings when necessary;
? Investigates and collects information on liability claims, including communication with employees, managers, risk management personnel, outside counsel and insurance adjustors;
? Prepares drafts of legal documents, conducts background checks and prepares medical summaries;
? Performs other duties as required.Associate Degree in Legal Services or related field and two (2) to three (3) years experience as a Legal Assistant, one (1) of which must have been as a paralegal doing legal research in an area relevant to municipal government or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A four (4) year college degree is preferred.? Knowledge of the law office policies and procedures;
? Knowledge of Westlaw;
? Knowledge of general office equipment, including computer hardware and software;
? Knowledge of filing systems and records management;
? Knowledge of Microsoft Word;
? Knowledge of legal research procedures and techniques.
? Skill in operating general office equipment;
? Skill in verbal and written communication.
? Ability to research, analyze and condense large amounts of information into clear, concise form for attorney review;
? Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
? Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form;
? Ability to work well with other employees, department heads, the public political figures, and others at all levels of government;
? Ability to be flexible and work in areas as assigned.
Supervisory Controls: The work is performed under the general supervision of the City Attorney.
Guidelines: Guidelines include federal and state rules and regulations governing laws. These guidelines require sound judgment and interpretation in application.
Complexity: The work consists of a variety of administrative and technical duties.
Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to perform paraprofessional, legal support services for attorneys in the Law Department. The employee assigned to this classification performs a variety of specialized confidential tasks involving legal research, preparation of case files and legal documents, and general administrative assistance as needed. Work is reviewed through observation, conversation and evaluation of results achieved.
Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, elected officials, and other City employees.
Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.
Physical Demands: The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk.
Work Environment: The work is typically performed in an office.
Supervisory and Management Responsibility: None.