Paralegal

Summary

Performs a high volume of responsible complex tasks using independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in providing legal related support as part of the professional staff within the Office of the City Attorney. Activities may include some or all of, and are not necessarily limited to, the following: research and analysis of information retrieved from various legal sources, the preparation of legal documents, case file intake and maintenance (organizing, indexing, tracking files), and other assignments. If the position is filled by a licensed attorney, duties may include additional duties that an attorney would be qualified to perform. Must be proficient in the use of Westlaw, word processing, spreadsheets, and other business software; possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Activities also include extensive public contact. Work is performed under the primary direction of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides legal support to the City’s attorneys through research and analysis of data from various legal resources.
• Produces drafts of letters, pleadings, contracts, and other documents, to be reviewed by the City’s attorneys prior to completion of final form.
• Drafts ordinances and resolutions, and adapts as necessary to assure compliance with City format and State statutes.
• Attendance at staff and public meetings (including occasional evening meetings), if required.
• Assists the City Clerk with legal concerns concerning public records requests and subpoenas.
• Composes a variety of letters, memoranda, tables, reports, forms, bulletins, invoices and other materials.
• Keeps litigation files up-to-date; keeps a written record of all pleadings and correspondence received; prepares forms for forwarding outdated or closed files for storage; and keeps detailed records of contents of each box.
• Prepares agenda items for City Commission and Advisory Board meetings coordinating with Department Directors and Division Managers.
• Provides support in relation to claims made by or against the city including: working with risk management in the initial intake, organization, investigation and reviewing of claims; preparing reports regarding the status of claims; coordination of meetings of the Claims Committee; provide back-up support for outside litigation counsel when needed.
• Acts as a representative of the office to the public; receives and dispenses information by telephone, letter or by direct contact with the public; supplies general information on City policies and procedures; refers more difficult queries to an appropriate official; schedules or confirms appointments.
• If the position is filled by a licensed attorney, duties may include additional responsibilities that an attorney would be qualified to perform; and reporting would be to the city Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.
• Performs related clerical duties specific to area of assignment.
• Participates in on-call and after-hours duties as assigned. Must be available for overtime and emergency call-outs when necessary.
• Assists in preparation for, response to, and recovery from, the impacts of a wide variety of disasters or emergency situations and may be temporarily assigned to other duties, locations, and shifts.
• Meets attendance requirements.
• Promotes positive customer service environment internally and externally.
• Performs other job related functions as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Education And/or Experience

Two-year Associate of Arts (AA) degree in paralegal/legal assistant studies (or equivalent course of study) and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, preferably as a certified paralegal or legal assistant or in a law related environment required; or Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or attorney in good standing licensed by the Florida Bar to practice law required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong legal research skills are required; proficient in Westlaw.
• Strong general computer skills a must, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of legal terminology and the judicial system.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment; and format of document and file keeping.
• Ability to create finished documents in a variety of formats, and to produce quality work results.
• Ability to understand and communicate the policies, procedures and services of the department, division or program including answering basic technical questions from the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, members of Boards and Committees, and the general public.
• Ability to establish daily work priorities and to make adjustments during the day as needed; and to be flexible in work schedule.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Skill in using time management methods effectively.
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully meet the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to meet job demands under some stressful situations.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to allow typing and writing.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read and comprehend departmental reports and documents.
• Sufficient auditory perception and speaking ability to answer telephones and direct calls.
  
  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.