What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at City of Chula Vista?
Description And Essential Functions
To perform independent analysis and assist on a wide variety of legal issues involving litigation and advisory work under the direction of attorneys in the City Attorney’s Office.
This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from an assigned supervisor. May exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Collect and compile facts and research and analyze legal authorities, such as statutes, court decisions, pleadings, and articles for use in preparing legal documents; assist attorneys in drafting legal opinions on contract, employment, torts, ethics, land use and Public Records Act issues, and make independent recommendations to attorneys; draft and edit legal memos, correspondence, pleadings, memoranda of points and authorities, petitions for writs and appellate briefs, motions, stipulations, orders, rulings, notices, declarations, proofs of service and other related legal documents; prepare necessary responses to pleadings and discovery requests for civil and criminal matters in both state and federal courts, and interact with City departments to obtain necessary information; file documents with courts and attorneys; review and research court files; obtain telephonic rulings and hearing dates; communicate with City staff; review and prepare summaries of document productions, discovery responses, depositions, and/or digital media; interview witnesses; prepare documentation summaries; arrange, contact and coordinate investigators and experts; request subpoenas of records and review documents; and maintain telephone contact with courts, witnesses and attorneys; assist with document review and redactions for exemptions related to California Public Records Act requests; assist in trial preparation, including preparation of jury instructions, voir dire questionnaires, exhibits and coordination of court appearances of witnesses; prepare petitions and appeals; review contracts and assist attorneys through contract negotiations; maintain work production and flow, meeting established deadlines; perform difficult and complex legal support functions in major cases; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; and perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Certificate of completion of a Paralegal Program approved by the American Bar Association; OR
Certificate of completion of a Paralegal Program at, or a degree from, a post-secondary institution that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The program must include successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter college-level units in law-related course work; OR
Bachelor's Degree or higher AND one year of full-time law-related experience* under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or who has practiced in the federal courts in California for at least the preceding three years of application; OR
High school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate AND three years of full-time law-related experience* under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California State Bar or who has practiced in the federal courts in California for at least the preceding three years of application.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of: Legal terminology, processes, procedures and the format for legal documents; civil litigation procedures and State or Federal courts rules, particularly in the areas of policy liability, personal injury, premises liability, employment law or land use; California Public Records Act; criminal procedure and prosecution practices; Federal, State and municipal law and regulations and administrative orders governing the City, the City Charter, municipal code and other procedures; standard office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures as well as local court rules and procedures, pleading practices and litigation protocol; computer applications used in the course of work, such as legal research databases, word-processing, spreadsheet and graphical presentation; organization, functions and activities of the City Attorney's office and municipal government; legal office and secretarial procedures and requirements; legal research software for document review and redactions and case and document management software; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary; basic business arithmetic.
Ability to: Perform extensive legal research with minimal guidance; Independently manage, respond to and prepare discovery pleadings; interview and interact with the public, attorneys and City employees regarding case investigation and trial preparation; maintain confidentiality; demonstrate understanding of and compliance with court rules, formatting requirements, and filing deadlines; understand and follow oral and written instructions; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up assignments with a minimum of direction; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Sit for long periods of time at a work station; operate a computer keyboard, typewriter and/or a fax machine; read typical business documents; answer phones and customer inquiries; file or retrieve documents or files weighing up to 10 lbs. from large filing cabinets both above shoulder height and below; and do simple mathematics. Work is performed indoors in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Some movement is required from office to office and there is exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices and meetings. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.
Additional Information
Recruitment No. 25247511
Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail. This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review.
The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
Confidential Employees' Benefit Summary: Click here.
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume alone will not be considered in determining your qualifications.
Minimum Requirements Do you hold a certificate indicating you completed a Paralegal Program approved by the ABA?
Note: A copy of your certificate or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application.
Do you have a certificate of completion from a paralegal program, or a degree from a post-secondary institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education? The program must include at least 24 semester units (or 36 quarter units) of college-level, law-related coursework.
Note: A copy of your certificate or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application.
Do you hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) AND have at least one year of full-time, law-related experience supervised by an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or has practiced in the federal courts in California for the past three years?
Note: A copy of your diploma or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application. Additionally, for the law-related experience, a completed Paralegal Employment Verification form MUST be attached to your application. The link to the Paralegal Employment Verification form can be found in the Minimum Requirements section of the Job Announcement.
Do you have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate AND three years of full-time law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California State Bar or who has practiced in the federal courts in California within the three years preceding this application?
Note: For the law-related experience, a completed Paralegal Employment Verification form MUST be attached to your application. The link to the Paralegal Employment Verification form can be found in the Minimum Requirements section of the Job Announcement.
Experience
The Paralegal assists attorneys in all aspects of litigation and advisory work. We are looking for candidates who possess experience that demonstrates independent analysis in performing substantive legal work. This includes knowledge and skill in legal research and analysis, drafting legal documents, summarizing depositions and evidence, and trial preparation. Your experience should be comprehensive enough to clearly demonstrate your capability to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Note: Work limited to clerical or secretarial functions in a legal office (including scheduling, phone support, and office supply management) is NOT regarded as substantial legal experience.
The questions below focus on areas and responsibilities that the Paralegal typically handles. Your answers will be evaluated alongside your application to assess whether you meet the qualification criteria. Incomplete or vague responses may lead to the rejection of your application.
A copy of your résumé may be attached to the application; however, it cannot be used in place of responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
Please indicate the areas in which you have experience.
For the area(s) you selected in Question 7, please provide a brief description of your experience.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
09
Please describe your proficiency with the following software platforms.
You should be prepared to demonstrate your level of ability/competence for each area you select as having actual hands on experience.
Please use the following definitions to describe your level of proficiency:
Please indicate from the options below how you learned about his job opportunity.
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City Of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department Uses Electronic Mail (e-mail) To Notify Applicants Of Important Information Relating To The Status And Processing Of Your Application. We Do So As Part Of Our Ongoing Efforts To Increase Operational Efficiency, Promote The Conservation Of Green Resources, And Minimize Delays And Costs. Therefore, As An Applicant, You Are Hereby Advised Of The Following
To perform independent analysis and assist on a wide variety of legal issues involving litigation and advisory work under the direction of attorneys in the City Attorney’s Office.
This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from an assigned supervisor. May exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Collect and compile facts and research and analyze legal authorities, such as statutes, court decisions, pleadings, and articles for use in preparing legal documents; assist attorneys in drafting legal opinions on contract, employment, torts, ethics, land use and Public Records Act issues, and make independent recommendations to attorneys; draft and edit legal memos, correspondence, pleadings, memoranda of points and authorities, petitions for writs and appellate briefs, motions, stipulations, orders, rulings, notices, declarations, proofs of service and other related legal documents; prepare necessary responses to pleadings and discovery requests for civil and criminal matters in both state and federal courts, and interact with City departments to obtain necessary information; file documents with courts and attorneys; review and research court files; obtain telephonic rulings and hearing dates; communicate with City staff; review and prepare summaries of document productions, discovery responses, depositions, and/or digital media; interview witnesses; prepare documentation summaries; arrange, contact and coordinate investigators and experts; request subpoenas of records and review documents; and maintain telephone contact with courts, witnesses and attorneys; assist with document review and redactions for exemptions related to California Public Records Act requests; assist in trial preparation, including preparation of jury instructions, voir dire questionnaires, exhibits and coordination of court appearances of witnesses; prepare petitions and appeals; review contracts and assist attorneys through contract negotiations; maintain work production and flow, meeting established deadlines; perform difficult and complex legal support functions in major cases; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; and perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Certificate of completion of a Paralegal Program approved by the American Bar Association; OR
Certificate of completion of a Paralegal Program at, or a degree from, a post-secondary institution that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The program must include successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter college-level units in law-related course work; OR
Bachelor's Degree or higher AND one year of full-time law-related experience* under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or who has practiced in the federal courts in California for at least the preceding three years of application; OR
High school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate AND three years of full-time law-related experience* under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California State Bar or who has practiced in the federal courts in California for at least the preceding three years of application.
- Note: An Attorney Attestation of Completion of Law-related experience form is required to document law-related experience. Click here to access the form.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of: Legal terminology, processes, procedures and the format for legal documents; civil litigation procedures and State or Federal courts rules, particularly in the areas of policy liability, personal injury, premises liability, employment law or land use; California Public Records Act; criminal procedure and prosecution practices; Federal, State and municipal law and regulations and administrative orders governing the City, the City Charter, municipal code and other procedures; standard office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures as well as local court rules and procedures, pleading practices and litigation protocol; computer applications used in the course of work, such as legal research databases, word-processing, spreadsheet and graphical presentation; organization, functions and activities of the City Attorney's office and municipal government; legal office and secretarial procedures and requirements; legal research software for document review and redactions and case and document management software; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary; basic business arithmetic.
Ability to: Perform extensive legal research with minimal guidance; Independently manage, respond to and prepare discovery pleadings; interview and interact with the public, attorneys and City employees regarding case investigation and trial preparation; maintain confidentiality; demonstrate understanding of and compliance with court rules, formatting requirements, and filing deadlines; understand and follow oral and written instructions; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up assignments with a minimum of direction; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Sit for long periods of time at a work station; operate a computer keyboard, typewriter and/or a fax machine; read typical business documents; answer phones and customer inquiries; file or retrieve documents or files weighing up to 10 lbs. from large filing cabinets both above shoulder height and below; and do simple mathematics. Work is performed indoors in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Some movement is required from office to office and there is exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices and meetings. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.
Additional Information
Recruitment No. 25247511
Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail. This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review.
The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
Confidential Employees' Benefit Summary: Click here.
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume alone will not be considered in determining your qualifications.
- I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.
Minimum Requirements Do you hold a certificate indicating you completed a Paralegal Program approved by the ABA?
Note: A copy of your certificate or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application.
- Yes
- No
Do you have a certificate of completion from a paralegal program, or a degree from a post-secondary institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education? The program must include at least 24 semester units (or 36 quarter units) of college-level, law-related coursework.
Note: A copy of your certificate or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application.
- Yes
- No
Do you hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) AND have at least one year of full-time, law-related experience supervised by an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California or has practiced in the federal courts in California for the past three years?
Note: A copy of your diploma or transcript of records MUST be attached to your application. Additionally, for the law-related experience, a completed Paralegal Employment Verification form MUST be attached to your application. The link to the Paralegal Employment Verification form can be found in the Minimum Requirements section of the Job Announcement.
- Yes
- No
Do you have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate AND three years of full-time law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California State Bar or who has practiced in the federal courts in California within the three years preceding this application?
Note: For the law-related experience, a completed Paralegal Employment Verification form MUST be attached to your application. The link to the Paralegal Employment Verification form can be found in the Minimum Requirements section of the Job Announcement.
- Yes
- No
Experience
The Paralegal assists attorneys in all aspects of litigation and advisory work. We are looking for candidates who possess experience that demonstrates independent analysis in performing substantive legal work. This includes knowledge and skill in legal research and analysis, drafting legal documents, summarizing depositions and evidence, and trial preparation. Your experience should be comprehensive enough to clearly demonstrate your capability to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Note: Work limited to clerical or secretarial functions in a legal office (including scheduling, phone support, and office supply management) is NOT regarded as substantial legal experience.
The questions below focus on areas and responsibilities that the Paralegal typically handles. Your answers will be evaluated alongside your application to assess whether you meet the qualification criteria. Incomplete or vague responses may lead to the rejection of your application.
A copy of your résumé may be attached to the application; however, it cannot be used in place of responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
- I have read and understood the statement and instructions above.
Please indicate the areas in which you have experience.
- Legal research
- Drafting documents (pleadings, contracts, motions, discovery requests, and correspondence)
- Case management
- Trial preparation
- Document Review, Summarization and Redaction
- No experience
For the area(s) you selected in Question 7, please provide a brief description of your experience.
Your response must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Provide the following for EACH change in position or employer.
- Area (example: Legal research)
- The name of employer;
- Your official job title;
- Dates of employment;
- Description of duties that support this experience.
09
Please describe your proficiency with the following software platforms.
You should be prepared to demonstrate your level of ability/competence for each area you select as having actual hands on experience.
Please use the following definitions to describe your level of proficiency:
- Expert: I have trained other so they can use this software or others consult me as an expert for assistance.
- Proficient: I use this software as a regular part of my job duties.
- Intermediate: I have used this software independently but not extensively.
- Beginner: I require assistance to use this software.
- Westlaw
- LexisNexis
- eDiscovery
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- DocuSign/Adobe Sign
Please indicate from the options below how you learned about his job opportunity.
- American Bar Association
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- San Diego County Bar Association
- City of Chula Vista website
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City Of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department Uses Electronic Mail (e-mail) To Notify Applicants Of Important Information Relating To The Status And Processing Of Your Application. We Do So As Part Of Our Ongoing Efforts To Increase Operational Efficiency, Promote The Conservation Of Green Resources, And Minimize Delays And Costs. Therefore, As An Applicant, You Are Hereby Advised Of The Following
- Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.
- Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.
- I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
- Required Question