Legal Technician

POSITION SUMMARY: 

• Researches statutory, legislative, federal and case law to determine impact on departmental policies and procedures, to support departmental position on various issues, to determine type of forms or documents to be filed for a particular situation, and to determine appropriate actions to be taken for individual situations.
• Researches property records, assessment records, Secretary of State, and court records to obtain information pertinent to property ownership, legal descriptions, mortgage or lien holders, and other relevant information
• Researches internal records to verify accuracy, to compile a customer's account history, to justify and defend departmental claims against customers, to authorize refunds or transfers, or to recommend write-offs
• Researches information, provides trial preparation and litigation assistance and gathers data, including without limitation, photographs, site investigations, account information and related documents concerning various issues for use by the Law Department; provides information to collection agencies, attorneys, DPU or City staff and other governmental entities explaining account problems, departmental policies and procedures, and related legal issues
• Testifies in cases heard in courts of competent jurisdiction and administrative bodies
• Files documents with federal and state courts and agencies
• Performs trial preparation and attends matters before courts of competent jurisdiction and administrative bodies
• Prepares ordinances, tax lien certifications and abatements, bankruptcy case proofs of claim, foreclosure answers and other legal documents as required
• Audits customer accounts, payments from the Sheriff Department, title companies, if applicable, from any governmental body or agency or a collection agency
• Analyzes customer accounts to determine if debt is collectible, to recommend settlements, to recommend write-offs, to require deposits, or to order disconnections
• Codes and credits accounts with appropriate information
• Works on special projects as assigned by the Law Department
• Maintains records and prepares a variety of reports, correspondence, and related materials
• Catalogs and maintains both manual and computerized files for complex court cases
• Provides work direction to subordinate clerical staff as required.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Maintain composure in stressful situations

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal studies or closely related area

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Paralegal studies or closely related area and two (2) years of law office experience in a paralegal capacity

• Two (2) years of college from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of law office experience in a paralegal capacity

• Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Tests equivalency and four (4) years of law office experience in a paralegal capacity. 
  
  PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS: 
  Experience with SAP, court systems, trials, hearings, and dockets/records is highly desirable.
  
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
  The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  In this position, the employee will continuously sit. or stand at a desk. The employee will frequently lift and carry office files up to 10 pounds. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.
  
  WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  The employee is continuously indoors in an office setting. At times, this position will require extended work hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually low; however, occasional moderate background noise related to office equipment can occur.
  
  If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419) 245-1500.