Paralegal

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This classification will provide paralegal assistance and administrative support to the Office of the City Attorney, which may include assisting the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney and/or Staff Attorney, as it relates to legal research, preparation of legal documentation, court filings, and preparation of other legal documents for trials and/or hearings and general office management.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Conducts research of state/federal laws, department files, City records, legal records, database records, electronic data sources, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources:

• Receives legal documents and requests such as subpoenas, warrants, motions, and discovery to review and record/incorporate with related legal documents and/or compile with related case/file information.
• Creates and/or assists in maintaining legal files; enters information into department database; updates database; calendars legal deadlines, hearings and/or court dates and may support attorneys at trials or hearings.
• Assists in responding to Open Records Act request in accordance with City’s ORA policies and procedures, which may include reviewing state/federal statutes to determine whether requested information or documentation are considered protected or are required to be provided according to the Act.
• Provides legal assistance to attorneys: drafts preliminary discovery documents, answers, pleadings and other documentation at direction of City Attorney; files pleadings with appropriate court; provides copies of ante litem notices, complaints, or other legal documents regarding pending litigation to the City’s insurance provider; gathers discovery documents required by outside counsel representing the City in litigation.
• Assists City Attorneys with court cases as required: attends court sessions as directed; schedules meetings, depositions, witness appearances, and court reporters for trials; prepares exhibits, pleadings, and trial notebooks; accompanies attorneys to trials to provide assistance.
• Assists with coordinating the notification/advertising process with eminent/condemnation matters and filing legal documents in court related to condemnation matters.
• Provides administrative support for City Attorneys or other staff members, as directed, that relate to basic administrative tasks; drafts correspondence and reports as directed by City Attorney; may screens telephone calls, mail, e-mail, as necessary and other communications and initiates appropriate action/response.
• Performs some office management functions for the Legal Division, as necessary that may include processing requisitions and invoices for payment; provides budgetary input; maintains computer database, files, and records.
• Performs some customer service functions related to legal cases or matters that have been filed or associated with the City; responds to questions from City departments, attorneys, court personnel, and limited public interaction, or others; researches questions/problems; obtains information, and assists in resolving problems; refers matters to City Attorney or to appropriate department, court, or agency as appropriate.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, legal memoranda, , legal pleadings, , legal advertisements or affidavits or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, invoices, , contracts, legal pleadings, legal documents, open records requests, zoning documents, newspapers, case law records, law books, legal updates, codes, statutes, ordinances, legal research resources, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains file system of various files/records: prepares files, organizes documentation, and files documents in designated order; retrieves/replaces files; shreds/destroys confidential or obsolete documents; ensures proper maintenance of records, confidentiality of information, and release of records to authorized individuals in accordance with established guidelines.
• Communicates with City Attorneys, City officials, employees, other departments, attorneys, court personnel, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to assist in certain legal matters.
• Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations as it relates to paralegals: maintains an awareness of new resources or trends in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars and training sessions as appropriate.

• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is required.
• Supplemented by Paralegal training; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience.
• Must possess and maintain valid Paralegal Certification from an American Bar Association-approved institution.
• Must possess and maintain valid State of Georgia Notary Public certification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Training that includes paralegal work in a local government legal office, legal assistant work, municipal law, office management, and personal computer operations; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.