Contract Paralegal

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage caseload of properties as directed by managing attorney or managing paralegal.
• Draft and file legal documents with designated courts.
• Draft and record title documents with the Wayne County Register of Deeds.
• Review real property records to identify potential lawsuit defendants.
• Investigate and gather facts of a case in response to reports of suspected occupancy of DLBA-owned properties.
• Communicate with defendants or unauthorized occupants regarding pending litigation or investigation.
• Catalog, organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic database and filing systems.
• Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation.
• Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles as requested by the supervising attorney.
• Perform additional duties and assignments as directed by Legal Department management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Subject Matter)

• One or more years of paralegal experience, or one or more years of real estate related experience (e.g. mortgage lending, title examination, landlord-tenant law, real estate closings, probate, or bankruptcy).
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices, legal research techniques, and real property terminology.
• Knowledge of real estate title documents, chains of title, mortgages, and Wayne County tax foreclosure process.
• Familiarity with and ability to prepare litigation documents.
• Strong ability to manage high case volumes, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Skilled at working across multiple teams.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to multitask, and understand must able to quickly adapt to frequently changing deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, and problemsolving skills, and good judgment to identify potential problems and solutions.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team and develop good relationships.
• Ability to conduct research that is relevant, accurate, and thorough.
• Experience using and proficiency with MS Office and other computer programs for legal research and/or litigation support, and organization and maintaining important documents.
• Experience and proficiency in using Salesforce preferred.

Paid Lunch Parking Reimbursement

• Up to $15 per day.

Mission-driven Individual with High Personal Integrity and a Strong Sense of Public Service to the Residents of the City of Detroit

Desired personal qualities include a mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College degree preferred.
• Associate degree in paralegal studies or paralegal certification from an American Bar Association approved certificate program preferred.