Legal Assistant

Under general supervision of attorneys and/or a Senior Legal Assistant, performs entry-level paralegal work in support of District activities.

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assists in the drafting of legal documents, including memoranda, briefs, pleadings, legal opinions, liens and real estate documents.
• Performs legal research and cite checks, analyzes results and presents results in a written memo.
• Processes land transactions including contacting involved departments for approval, maintaining communication with the public regarding transactions and preparing Board letters and documents.
• Assists attorneys in preparing and implementing pre-trial discovery (including e-discovery) and related matters, preparing abstracts and indexing depositions, delivering files to courts and other governmental bodies, serving documents on opposing counsel, filing pleadings and other documents with the court, preparing subpoenas and assisting attorneys as needed in preparation for and at trial.
• Performs research which may involve tax and title searches, legal searches, or review of legal records and data.
• Establishes, maintains and organizes case files, including electronic case files and databases and monitors status of matters.
• Coordinates the response to Freedom of Information Act inquiries by referring to the appropriate department, compiling information, drafting responsive correspondence and monitoring requests to ensure timely response.
• Interfaces with Finance in the handling of wage garnishments, child support orders and bankruptcy matters.
• Provides direction to administrative staff including assigning and reviewing work.

• May serve as Clerk of the Civil Service Board.
• Assists in keeping the Law Library and electronic databases in order and efficiently cataloged.
• Assists in the collection of user charges and performs related calculations; contacts users regarding delinquent bills and monitors status of related matters.
• Appears in court for clerk’s status or calendar call as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers and peripheral equipment.

• Considerable knowledge of legal research methods, techniques and resources including computer hardware and software associated with such research.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal court procedures.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules and precedents governing District activities.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills.

Completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal training program.

Three years of experience in a secretarial, clerical, administrative or paralegal position in a law office or legal department.

• One year of service with the District as a Human Resources Assistant, Secretary or Administrative Assistant; or two years of such service as an Administrative Specialist.
• Civil service status in one of the foregoing classes.