Legal Assistant

The City of Keene is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide essential administrative, legal, and operational support to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, values public service, and wants to play a key role in supporting municipal government.

As the Legal Assistant, you will help ensure the efficient operation of the City Attorney's Office by preparing legal documents, managing litigation files, conducting legal research, coordinating with City departments, and supporting a wide variety of legal matters affecting the City. This position requires professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What You'll Do:

• Provide confidential administrative, legal, and clerical support to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.
• Prepare, review, and file legal documents, including pleadings, agreements, deeds, leases, ordinances, contracts, and correspondence.
• Manage litigation files by tracking court dates, filing deadlines, hearings, and related case activities.
• Conduct legal research and prepare basic pleadings and supporting legal materials.
• Assist with discovery responses, subpoenas, interrogatories, and bankruptcy claims.
• Perform real estate title research, prepare closing documents, attend real estate closings, and record legal documents.
• Prepare certified records for court filings and support appeals before the Superior and Supreme Courts.
• Initiate and manage Small Claims actions on behalf of the City, including court appearances.
• Research corporate filings and prepare Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) statements.
• Support land use, planning, zoning, and public works matters requiring legal review.
• Assist City departments with legal processes and respond to legal questions under attorney supervision.
• Coordinate and prepare responses to Right-to-Know (public records) requests, including gathering records and performing required redactions across paper and electronic formats.
• Draft City Council submissions and other official reports, memoranda, resolutions, and legal correspondence.
• Maintain legal files, records, archives, and the office legal library.
• Manage calendars, schedule appointments, answer incoming calls, and serve as a professional point of contact for courts, agencies, attorneys, and the public.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, invoice processing, purchasing office supplies, and general office administration.

Our Community

Keene is an energetic community that provides services, programs, and resources for a much greater population than the residents of the city alone. Although the conveniences and attractions of large metropolitan areas are close at hand, the community maintains a solidly residential working-class character, complemented by an idyllic, rural landscape. The heart of the community is its vibrant and historic, downtown core. Keene has cultivated a lasting spirit of place, built on a foundation of the past and a clear vision of the future.

Minimum Qualifications

An associate’s degree in office management and/or paralegal studies or related fields, plus at least 5 years of related experience including experience working in the New Hampshire legal field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A notary public certification is required. Employees who are not currently certified will complete the application process upon hire.

Pay and Benefits

This full-time position offers a competitive pay range of $31.94- $39.80 per hour and will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group I retirement, and other benefits such as life insurance, disability, tuition assistance, and paid time off. Municipal employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The City is committed to supporting employee development and strives to provide opportunities for increased responsibility and career advancement within our organization.

How to Apply

Please upload your resume and cover letter before submitting your completed application. Confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and received will be sent via email.

This position will be open until it is filled, and the first review of applications will be on Monday, August 17, 2026.

The City of Keene is an Equal Opportunity Employer.