Paralegal

Job Summary 

Assists attorneys by providing administrative and research support including document preparation and review; monitoring new and active litigation, calendaring deadlines, scheduling witness meetings, gathering information relevant to open cases, assisting to organize and prepare various stages of litigation, creating documents for motions and trial.    

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Responsible for monitoring new and active litigation. 

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss and plan assigned cases or projects. 

• Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures. 

• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys. 

• Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements. 

• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items. 

• Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings. 

• May assist with administrative duties, including reviewing documents prior to submission to the City Council and reviewing police body cam.   

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Reporting Relationships 

Supervision Received:  City Attorney  

Supervision Exercised: none 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters. 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment. 

Technological Skills 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 

Education and Experience 

A combination of job-related education and experience demonstrating the equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform the functions of this position may be considered, as determined by management. 

• Education:   

Certification in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred. 

• Experience:  

Two years of experience working as a paralegal or legal secretary  

Prior government experience is preferred.  

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training 

• Paralegal certificate preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications. 

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. 

Physical Demands 

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa 

• Sit, stand or be stationary 

• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information 

• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc. 

• Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain 

• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color 

Environmental Conditions may include 

• Office settings 

Physical Requirements – No Physical Needed 

• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 lbs with or without assistance 

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.  

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.