Paralegal

Premium Pay Differentials / Career Ladders General Information

Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205, 9th Floor Suite 969

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $24.60 - $47.05

Assists County Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys in the delivery of legal services to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, constitutional officers, and county departments. Drafts proposed legislation and opinions. Prepares memoranda of law. Assists attorneys in trial preparation including preparation of exhibits and visual presentations. Prepares training materials and presentations. Interviews witnesses. Prepares discovery. Files responses. Summarizes depositions and records.

Prepares medical chronologies. Conducts legal research and factual investigations. Participates in the formulation of legal strategy.

Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Attorney. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Attorney’s authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.

Working Conditions:

• Indoor office environment.
• High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities.
• Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer.
• Lifting boxes or supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.

• Conducts extensive and complex legal research.
• Conducts investigations and interviews with County employees or other witnesses to ascertain factual circumstances of a particular situation. Prepares associated reports.
• Reviews Requests for Legal Services submitted to the County Attorney's Office by county departments. Ensures requests are complete and all necessary documentation is included. Works with requesting parties to resolve any discrepancies.
• Prepares drafts of resolutions, ordinances, and other proposed legislation.
• Prepares drafts of agenda items.
• Prepares drafts of leases, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Prepares drafts of initial pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, and other legal documents involved in litigation.
• Assists attorneys in the preparation of requested legal opinions.
• Prepares summaries of depositions and other documents and records (including medical records) for use by attorneys in mediation, hearings, and trials.
• Assists attorneys in trial preparation including coordination of witnesses and exhibits.
• Acts as Court liaison in preparation for trial.
• Drafts jury instructions and jury verdict forms.
• Prepares courtrooms, Board Chambers, and other locations for presentations and meetings, including setting up meeting and presentation software applications.
• Prepares presentations for legal training purposes to be presented to various county departments.
• Attends trials and meetings as needed.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County Attorney’s Office, the Board and the County.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) or more years of law office experience performing advanced paralegal duties required.
• Valid driver's license required with valid Florida driver's license required within 30 days of hire.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• Graduation from a Paralegal Studies program or a bachelor’s degree…