Legal Assistant

Recruitment Range: $27.75-$32.26 hourly dependent on knowledge and experience 

Minimum Preparation for Work:

• Graduation with a paralegal certificate or associate’s degree in a relevant field; and  
• Three (3) years of legal assistant or paralegal experience. 

• Combination of education, training, and/or work experience equal to or higher than the requirements listed above as determined by Human Resources.

• Possession of an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.
• Substantial experience with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Experience drafting pleadings and other legal documents. 
• Experience researching using Westlaw or Lexis.
• Experience with case management software.
• Experience electronically filing pleadings in state court or federal court.

• Performs general office duties such as copying, scanning, and processing incoming and outgoing mail.
• Performs clerical and administrative tasks assigned by the Legal Services Administrator.
• Prepares and assists with budget, payroll, and invoices.
• Prepares and modifies documents including correspondence, reports, memoranda, and emails.
• Prepares and maintains regularly scheduled reports and spreadsheets.
• Prepares drafts of pleadings, orders, ordinances, and other documents, both in-office and as a part of quasi-judicial hearings.
• Creates and maintains electronic files utilizing office management software.
• Communicates professionally and effectively in verbal and written form with elected officials, City staff, outside counsel, the judiciary, and the general public.
• Schedules meetings, hearings, and other events.
• Effectively researches legal and non-legal issues, analyzes the results, and provides suggested solutions.
• Electronically files court documents at the direction of the City Attorney or designee.
• Stays abreast of changes in the rules of procedure, e-filing procedures, confidentiality requirements, and relevant statutes.
• Responds to telephone, written, and in-person inquiries from the Mayor, City Council, employees, and the public.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers and the legal community.
• Provides support to multiple attorneys with varying areas of specialty in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to ethical standards of legal practice.
• Receives, processes, and responds to public record requests.
• Works with attorneys in representing City employees, including firefighters and police officers.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
• Reports as essential personnel during state of emergency.
• Performs other job duties and special tasks as assigned.

• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of fundamental subjects in law, legal terminology, and legal phraseology.
• Knowledge of office protocol and standard business etiquette.
• Knowledge and experience scheduling hearings.
• Knowledge of local government law and practices (preferred but not required).
• Skilled in the utilization of case management software.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing work for maximum time management.
• Ability to dispose of routine administrative matters independently.
• Ability to adapt to meet the needs of the office as circumstances change, including the ability to telework.
• Ability to exhibit an understanding of legal research and analysis methods.
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere, including an organized work area.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in problem solving, analyzing situations, and making suggestions for correction or improvement.
• Ability to make sound decisions using independent judgment.
• Ability to perform tasks independently and correctly in relevant software programs, including the effective use of Microsoft products.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to be detailed in completion of job tasks as needed to ensure the integrity of information.
• Ability to report and perform assigned tasks during a state of emergency, including but not limited to hurricane recovery.