Legal Secretary

Position: Legal Secretary 3
JOB DESCRIPTION

* To move forward in the recruiting process ALL External applicants are required to:

* Attach a current Resume;

* Attach a Cover Letter;

* Contact Information for Three Professional References; and

* Attach copies of official undergraduate/graduate transcripts (unofficial will suffice until official transcripts are received).

The mission of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency ("GEMA/HS") is to serve the citizens of the State of Georgia by coordinating the State's preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to disasters. As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS operates under the authority of the Emergency Management Act of 1981. GEMA/HS works with local, state, and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to prevent and respond to natural and man-made emergencies.

In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. Visit our Agency's website for more details.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The GEMA/HS paralegal provides administrative, organizational, drafting, and research support to the General Counsel. The paralegal receives, analyzes, and responds to requests for available, releasable department records related to administrative, operational, and emergency matters within the required deadlines established by state law. The paralegal receives reviews, analyzes, and provides information and updates to requestors and other stakeholders. Computer proficiency required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary duties include, but are not limited to:

* Under the supervision of the General Counsel, the Paralegal reviews and analyzes open record requests from the public, attorneys, the media, and other parties. Corresponds with GEMA/HS division administrators, outside vendors, and requesting parties to coordinate fulfillment of Open Records Act requests. Maintains organization of all requests and records. Coordinates responses to requests for production of documents and other legal requests.

Reviews records for potential exemptions. Processes and tracks payments for Open Record Requests.

* Provides administrative support to General Counsel including but is not limited to compiling, preparing, and distributing meeting materials and taking meeting notes; maintaining records and files; preparing research data; drafting correspondence or other materials as requested by General Counsel; scheduling and confirming meetings; making travel arrangements; and managing procurement of office supplies.

* Performs specialized and confidential support duties to aid the General Counsel with legal matters related to employment litigation and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) matters, including assisting with investigations of internal and external employee complaints, fact finding, witness interviews, and document requests.

* Conducts thorough legal research on disaster recovery and emergency management laws, regulations, and federal guidelines Analyzes and summarizes findings for attorney review.

* Reviews written responses for grammatical and spelling errors and performs Blue Book citation checks on documents prepared by General Counsel.

* Maintains and organizes records, contracts, and state and federal documents including keeping the General Counsel up to date on upcoming deadlines.

* Typing of correspondences, briefs, pleadings, forms, agreements, memoranda, and administrative orders from handwritten notes or dictation.

* Prepares PowerPoint presentations and other training material as requested by General Counsel.

* Helps General Counsel review various policies for legal and ethical sufficiency and revises accordingly.

* Assists General Counsel with the Legislative Session, including research, bill tracking, and hearing and committee meeting preparation.

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this title, and therefore may not include all job duties performed by persons on this job title.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

* Knowledge of the Georgia Open Records…