Legal Assistant - Code & Public Nuisance Litigation Unit job

About the Role

The Legal Assistant will support attorneys by performing legal work in addition to clerical duties. This role involves communication with members of the public, attorneys, judicial staff, and other departments. The Legal Assistant will work as part of a team to ensure the responsibilities of the Code Enforcement Unit are met.

Responsibilities

• Draft complaints and other legal filings.
• Prepare court notices, subpoenas for documents and witnesses, trial exhibits, and service of process.
• Input data and information into case management systems regarding all matters handled by the unit.
• Assist attorneys with case management logistics, including tracking service, responses, deadlines, document preparation, and trial.
• Compile reports for the Chief, the Chief’s chain of command, discovery, and matters handled by the unit.
• Conduct research on departmental systems, Westlaw, and public records such as Philadox, Atlas, and OPA.
• Assist in preparing witnesses for hearings and requesting discovery.
• Coordinate the appearance of court reporters and technology providers.
• Follow up on action items.
• Liaise with client departments, including the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Public Health, Streets Department, and PPD.
• Communicate with the public regarding judgment balances and negotiated payoffs.
• Set up new case files, typically for Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court.
• Maintain attorney and group calendars for all hearings.
• Copy, scan, fax, and hand-deliver documents.
• Redact sensitive information from discoverable documents.
• Preserve electronic copies of documents for case files.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Chief and the Chief’s chain of command.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate and/or experience as an administrative assistant with specific experience in document drafting and management.
• Ability to maintain large volumes of documents and data utilizing databases such as SharePoint.
• Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced setting.
• Ability to work productively both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt and learn new systems/procedures.
• Experience with Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat (including Bates stamping, redaction, creating, and splitting PDFs).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Knowledge of legal concepts such as attorney-client privilege and relevance.
• Knowledge of City procedures is a plus.

Skills

• Hard-working, organized, and detail-oriented with an eager, helpful attitude.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with over a dozen colleges and universities (savings of 10% to 40%, sometimes extending to spouses and dependents).

Pay

Salary Range: $45,478 to $62,371 (commensurate with education and experience).

Schedule

This position is fully onsite, with employees expected to report in person five (5) days per week.

Work Location

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within six months of hire.