What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal I position at City of Akron, OH?
Definition
This is professional legal support work for the City of Akron
An employee in this class provides paralegal support services including conducting research, gathering information, organizing files, and preparing various legal documents and memoranda.
Works under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Law and/or the Office Manager.
Characteristic Work
Under supervision, provides paralegal support services. Assists with the preparation of legal documents such as answers, motions, notices, affidavits, subpoenas, and settlement documents subject to review, approval, and use by attorneys. Assists with fact-gathering. Conducts legal research. Prepares legal memoranda; opens, organizes and maintains case files. Files legal documents, including pleadings, in federal, state, and municipal courts as well as administrative/regulatory bodies. Monitors case progression/status and tracks case management deadlines. Coordinates and/or participates in meetings, depositions, and hearings as needed. Assists with the discovery process including compiling, reviewing, and analyzing documents and electronically stored information to investigate, initiate, or respond to written discovery requests, subpoenas, or other similar items. Assists with brief preparation including proof reading, organizing, compiling and preparing tables of authorities, appendices, and addendums. Prepares exhibits and assists with preparation for hearings and trials as needed by department attorneys. Provides general office support, including administrative duties as may be assigned by the Office Manager. Performs related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or related field or completion of a Juris Doctor degree at an accredited law school prior to Bar passage; and a minimum of two years of paid experience working as a paralegal or law clerk.
Considerable knowledge and understanding of English language usage, including syntax, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including the maintenance of computerized and manual record and database systems. Considerable knowledge of, and familiarity with, the litigation process and the discovery process. Knowledge of the organization, functions, and protocol of the government of the City of Akron. Knowledge of legal research platforms, such as Westlaw and/or LexisNexis. Knowledge of filing procedures and requirements of local courts and agencies.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others. Skill in the composing and preparation of legal documents, especially those associated with discovery and motion practice. Ability to utilize online research tools such as Westlaw and/or LexisNexis. Skill in reading, comprehending, and summarizing case law, contracts, and other legal documents. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, appropriate for a law office setting. List of essential job functions available upon request.
Competitive Examination Process
The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for education and experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for education and experience. TEST WEIGHTS: Competitive Examination 70%, Education 20%, Experience 10%.
Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.
Since this examination is posted on a combined basis, two separate eligibility lists will be generated with promotional candidates considered before open candidates.
NOTE: The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 70% for qualifying, 20% for education, and 10% for experience.
NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible. Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals. In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.