Paralegal I Jobs

Position will be open until filled.

General Purpose

Under the supervision of the City Attorney, conducts legal research; assists in preparation of cases for trial; drafts ordinances, resolutions, pleadings and other legal documents as required; researches and reviews case law, regulations, statutes, ordinances, and legislative updates; advises and counsels under the supervision of an attorney, with City employees regarding legal requirements for various transactions and proceedings. May perform necessary legal clerical duties for the City Attorney, as assigned

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Regular and timely attendance is required.
• Coordinates the ordering of departmental supplies; monitors and maintains office equipment; troubleshoots computer issues; upgrades software.
• Drafts, prepares, and reviews a variety of legal documents including correspondence, memoranda, forms, legal opinions, pleadings, contracts, leases, deeds, liens, releases, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Performs data entry; copies and faxes documents; updates and maintains departmental records and files; administers the records management program for the City Attorney's Office as assigned.
• Updates and maintains attorney calendars; schedules meetings and hearings; calculates deadlines for filing court documents; monitors litigation deadlines, bankruptcy claim dates, and project timelines.
• Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM and as needed outside regular hours
• Performs routine accounting duties; processes requests for payment; prepares and mails out billing.
• Provides legal support to attorneys during civil and criminal trials.
• Assists in reviewing and developing City Attorney's Office policies and procedures as assigned.
• Delivers and retrieves documents, certified mail, and/or case related materials from the post office, County Clerk's Office, District Clerk's Office, Police Department, courts, and law firms.
• Researches and reviews case law, regulations, statutes, ordinances, and legislative updates.
• Assists attorneys in all aspects of litigation including pre-trial preparation; obtains case background materials; contacts witnesses; files charges and complaints; prepares subpoenas.
• Answers, screens, and directs incoming calls; responds to various types of inquiries from City departments and citizens; processes public information requests.
• Gathers and compiles information from individuals, entities, and various paper and electronic sources.
• Conducts special projects and/or performs other tasks as assigned by attorneys.
• Provides legal support and assistance to assigned attorneys regarding litigation, municipal operations, real estate transactions, contracts, leases, agreements, and/or collections matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; AND three years' experience as a legal assistant; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• Paralegal Certificate is required to be completed within 2 years of hire.
• Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
• A Texas Driver License with a good driving record is required.

Required Knowledge Of

• City Attorney's Office operations, policies, and procedures.
• Legal terminology, processes, and procedures.
• General office equipment and standard computer software applications.
• Principles and standards of records management.
• Processes for preparing, reviewing and filing legal documents.
• Methods and techniques for conducting legal research.

Required Skill In

• Drafting, preparing, and reviewing various types of legal documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other staff, attorneys, City departments, outside agencies, court personnel, law firms, and the general public.
• Providing administrative and legal assistance to assigned attorneys.
• Coordinating and performing a variety of highly skilled legal support functions.
• Performing legal research, gathering and compiling case information.
• Responding to inquiries and providing assistance to City departments and citizens.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work performed in a fast paced and often demanding office setting.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and lifting objects up to 20 pounds.

Job postings may be withdrawn at any time at direction of the City Manager.