Legal Secretary/Paralegal #6050-1 - Hamilton County Courts

Under close supervision, performs a variety of legal secretarial and general clerical duties in support of the Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judges’ Offices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)   

Provides general secretarial assistance to the General Session Judge. Schedules office appointments. Answers and screens phone calls. Receives visitors, answers questions and refers visitor to appropriate personnel. Maintains department files.

Prepares court documents. Prepares and proofs legal documents. Performs legal research utilizing LexisNexis Advance. Maintains and updates specialized legal filing system. Works closely with clerks, police officers, and other court staff. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of legal terminology and the forms and documents used in legal clerical work.

Knowledge of legal procedures and practices involved in composing, processing and filing a variety of legal documents.

Knowledge of standard legal references and their contents.

Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Knowledge of and skill in LexisNexis Advance.

Skill in the use of a personal computer and related software.

Skill in English composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Skill in verbal and written communication. 

Skill in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skill and ability to work in a high stress environment. 

The equivalent of a High School diploma plus at least five (5) years of secretarial or paralegal work experience in a law office/firm is required. Must be able to type at least 45 words per minute. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Five (5) years or more of paralegal work experience in a law firm or law office is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Work requires a minimum to moderate amount of physical effort with filing, sitting, standing, walking, and occasional driving.  Excessive keyboarding is required. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County General Sessions Court are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County General Sessions Court may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page. 

https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx