Administrative Special Services Staff II-Paralegal (HRD)

The City of Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department is currently seeking a Administrative Special Services II-Paralegal to support Housing and Revitalization efforts. 

Under general supervision, the paralegal will provide professional legal support service to attorneys and perform complex and technical administrative work in the form of legal research, drafting and filing of legal documents, drafting reports and routine communications, and assisting in file preparation and processing.

1. Conduct extensive legal research and obtain due diligence materials.
2. Draft legal documents and correspondence including briefs, pleadings, opinions, stipulations, motions, affidavits, subpoenas, leases, deeds, contracts, and other legal documents.
3. File pleadings and other legal documents with courts or administrative agencies; eFile documents in all courts.
4. Locate, collect, organize, review, and summarize documents.
5. Prepare histories and chronologies of events or other subject matters.
6. Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and memoranda including summaries of research results and conclusions.
7. Complete administrative tasks and provide administrative assistance such as preparation of case statistic reports, case summaries, litigation activity reports and other reports as requested by management.
8. Investigate the factual evidence of a transaction or case and preparing exhibits, charts and diagrams to display information.
9. Conduct interviews and research facts to obtain necessary information.
10. Act as liaison among clients, various internal departments as well as with outside agencies and parties.
11. Work directly with attorneys during various types of transactions through closing.
12. Attend meetings, depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials with attorneys.
13. Assist counsel in development of case strategy, negotiation and settlement of claims and lawsuits as well as preparing for legal transactions, depositions, hearings, trials, and conferences
14. Maintain and operate computerized databases for docket control, case management, calendaring, and litigation support purposes.
15. Organize and maintain litigation, evidence materials, case and other legal files and records.
16.  Identify and consults with expert witnesses.
17. Assist attorneys in carrying out their assignments.
18. Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; and participating in professional organizations.
19. Other duties as assigned.

Successful completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal/legal studies program and three years of work experience as a Legal Assistant.

-OR-

An Associate's degree with specialization in paralegal studies from an American Bar Association approved institution and two years of work experience as a Legal Assistant.

-OR-

Bachelor's degree with specialization in paralegal studies, legal studies, or legal administration from an American Bar Association approved institution, and six months of work experience as a Legal Assistant. 

Notary Public

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid State of Michigan Operator License.  Employees in this class will be required to provide and operate a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification will be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The major legal subjects applicable to analyzing and appraising facts, evidence, and precedent
• Research and analysis methods
• Legal practices and procedures
• File and litigation management
• MS-Office Suite
• Smartsheet (desired)
• Quality management and process improvement principles

SKILL IN:

• Legal research and analysis
• Analyze information to make effective decisions
• Interpreting instructions and guidelines and take necessary action(s)
• Preparing a variety of legal related documents
• Perform manual and electronic filing processes

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 point