The Legal Services Department is seeking a Paralegal. This position provides paralegal and general office assistance to the office of the General Counsel and Compliance. Review, revise, and draft legal documents for attorney review, and assist counsel with responding to District staff legal questions.
 (The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. The District may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Provide paralegal assistance to the office of the General Counsel. Draft, review, and edit confidential legal information, including letters, reports, memoranda, agreements, contracts, ordinances, intergovernmental agreements, and documents related to hearings and/or administrative proceedings. Conduct legal or legislative research. Prepare supporting exhibits, memoranda, and presentations. Coordinate with legal staff to track status of lawsuits and other contracted legal services. Assist with Department’s docket and compliance deadlines. 
2. Assist on special projects with information/fact gathering, and preparation of written analysis as needed.
3.  Review and revise real property documents, and when required, file real property or other documents for recording with Washington County.
4.  Willingness and ability to serve as District Public Records Officer if assigned and facilitate District public records program.
5.  Assist Procurement team as needed to facilitate Legal Department review of contracts. Coordinate advice and responses to bid protests and Request for Proposal/bid questions between Purchasing team and Legal Department. Serve as liaison between project managers and Legal Department attorneys to facilitate timely responses for legal assistance.
6.  Develop and oversee the Department’s document management process, and support in records retention as needed.
7. Monitor procedures and controls for the Department to ensure compliance with Oregon State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, Disciplinary Rules, and applicable local authorities.
8. Help train Clean Water Services staff on pertinent internal legal documents management and operations as needed.
9.  Perform general clerical and administrative work, including responding to requests for information, compiling and presenting data, explaining procedures and policies, preparing spreadsheets and databases, preparing basic legal internal forms as needed, and scheduling meetings. Ability to assist with legal administrative staff duties by covering legal administrative staff as needed. Work with Legal Assistant to co-lead for the Department on District performance improvement initiatives.
10.  Ability to maintain and manage highly sensitive and/or confidential information and documents.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Best management practices for organization and process improvements for Legal Department
• Contract and employment law principles and practices
• Principles for writing contracts
• Public records laws
• Public contracting requirements
• BOLI Prevailing Wage requirements
• Ethics and confidentiality requirements of a local government legal department

 SKILL IN: 

• Researching and interpreting state, federal, and administrative codes, statues, regulations, and case law
• Analyzing and summarizing legal documents, discovery, and testimony
• Drafting and proofreading motions, memoranda, witness and deposition outlines, and correspondence with outside entities
• Legal document management
• Trial document preparation and organization
• Developing and maintaining relationships with outside legal parties, administrative agencies, and vendors
• Using relevant office software to create legal documents and correspondence
• Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills
• Law office organization

ABILITY TO: 

• Interpret and apply pertinent District rules, regulations, policies, and ordinances
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of District and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Perform legal research
• Analyze complex legal problems

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

5 years’ experience as a paralegal in developing or revising legal documents for attorneys, including contracts and correspondence.
 
6 months’ experience in administrative support work in a legal setting.
 
College-level coursework or direct experience in business administration, public administration, contract law, paralegal, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
 
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: 
Certification as a Paralegal from an ABA-approved program and/or certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants is desirable. Must be a current Notary Public or be able to obtain a commission within three months of employment.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.