Paralegal Specialist

The Paralegal Specialist provides professional legal support for the Office of the City Attorney, consisting of five (5) attorneys and an administrative assistant. The position performs legal research, drafts legal documents, manages legal research tools and databases, and assists attorneys in preparing for litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal matters involving the City of Rockville. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.

All staff in the Office of the City Attorney must possess good judgment and the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information. Work results impact the efficient governmental operation of the City of Rockville.

• Conduct legal research using online legal research tools, case law databases, statutes, regulations, and municipal codes.
• Prepare research summaries and analytical memoranda for use in legal opinions, briefings, and other legal documents.
• Draft initial versions of ordinances, resolutions, legal opinions, correspondence, court pleadings, contracts, and other documents for attorney review and revision.
• Cite‑check documents and ensure accuracy and proper formatting in accordance with legal standards and city requirements.
• Maintain, update, and organize legal research tools, subscriptions, and electronic databases; assist staff with database use.
• Gather, organize, and summarize documents, records, and evidence for litigation, administrative proceedings, and public hearings.
• Assist attorneys in trial preparation, including preparing witness lists, exhibits, discovery materials, and case files.
• Track matter deadlines, calendaring requirements, and administrative timelines to support attorney workflow.
• Coordinate with other City departments to collect information needed for legal analysis or proceedings.
• Support public records request responses by gathering documents and assisting with legal review.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

Associate degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field required; bachelor’s degree or, in addition to an associate’s degree, a paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years’ work experience as a paralegal, preferably in the public sector; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong research and writing skills.
• Familiarity with municipal law, administrative law, and civil litigation procedures.
• Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis Nexis) and document management systems.
• Ability to draft clear and accurate legal documents.
• Strong organizational and case‑management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small legal team and interact with City staff and the public in a professional manner.
• High level of discretion in handling confidential information.

The work is sedentary work, which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

This job is performed in a dynamic environment that requires one to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.