Paralegal III

Safety/Security Status:
This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening. Security Status:
This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.

SUMMARY The Paralegal provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to the Staff Attorney and legal staff. This position performs a variety of complex paralegal duties including contract review, legal document preparation, legal research, litigation preparation, records management, and coordination of City Council agenda items. The Paralegal ensures compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures while supporting the efficient operation of the legal department.

The position requires critical thinking, effective communication, time management, self-motivation, strong organizational skills, and professionalism. Maintaining confidentiality of Legal Department information is essential to the position. Candidates must pass a criminal background check before employment and must provide a writing sample with their resume and application. There is also a component of general office work where this position assists and relieves lawyers and other legal personnel of administrative and clerical work by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract Review:
Examines and reviews contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with city policies and applicable laws.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Responses:
Processes and coordinates responses to FOIA and public records requests, ensuring timely and accurate disclosure of information in accordance with legal requirements.

Litigation Support:
Prepares legal documents and exhibits for misdemeanor appeal jury trials; assists in case preparation, trial binders, and court filings.

Civil File Preparation and Discovery:
Organizes and maintains civil litigation files; drafts discovery requests and responses; tracks deadlines and assists with document production.

City Council Agenda Preparation:
Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items for City Council meetings; ensures legal accuracy and completeness prior to submission.

Agenda Review Coordination:
Leads agenda review meetings with Accounting and Purchasing staff to ensure alignment on financial and procurement matters prior to Council presentation.

Legal Documents:
Prepare and analyze legal research as directed by the Staff Attorney, for legal memos, court filings, or other documents.

Administrative Support:
Schedules meetings and maintains calendars for the Staff Attorney and other legal personnel.

Travel Coordination:
Prepares and processes travel requests and related documentation for legal staff.

Purchasing Support:
Facilitates legal department purchasing requisitions and purchase order transactions in compliance with city procurement policies and procedures.

Manages calendar, arranges complex and detailed itineraries, compiles documents for travel-related meetings accompanying staff attorney when requested, assists in meeting deadlines, coordinates meetings, and performs other clerical duties such as scheduling appointments, screening incoming calls, providing information to callers, composing and typing routine correspondence, and reading and routing incoming mail.

Acts as custodian of documents and records by maintaining and keeping track of department filing system, accurately filing correspondence and legal documents, and ensuring proper indexing and filing of original legal documents.

Coordinate with Legal Administrative Assistant to schedule services such as computer and office equipment maintenance and repair, supplies, mail, and files.

Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable…