Paralegal

About the Role

Under the supervision of an attorney, this position performs a variety of paraprofessional legal duties for one of the legal departments of City government. Employees provide legal services and carry out important assignments that do not require the expertise of a professional attorney.

Responsibilities

• Investigates, collects, and compiles case materials and documentary evidence in contract and personal injury litigation.
• Drafts Complaints, Affidavits, Motions, Interrogatories, and other pleadings connected with trial preparation and discovery; interviews witnesses and assists the attorney at trial or at depositions.
• Performs legal research and assists in the preparation of contracts, leases, briefs, and legal opinions; may perform statistical research required for litigation.
• Assists in the preparation of legislation, including research of existing statutes and regulations, review of existing legislation for possible conflicts, and analysis of proposed legislation.
• Maintains a tracking system for adjusting claims against the City, coordinates investigation and departmental review of claims, and communicates with the public and departmental representatives.
• Corresponds and communicates with attorneys, representatives of other governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Analyzes depositions, exhibits, and pleadings to extract facts pertinent to issues argued on brief; may assemble exhibits, affidavits, and other legal documents for trial preparation.
• Interviews citizens with complaints and obtains information for appropriate City legal department; may observe legal conferences, proceedings, and courtroom activities.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal procedures, legal terminology, and legal research techniques.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to analyze legal problems.
• Ability to perform legal research with accuracy and initiative.
• Ability to accept written and oral instructions.
• Skill in dealing tactfully with attorneys, office personnel, court personnel, representatives of other governmental entities, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Completion of a certificated Paralegal Studies curriculum approved by the American Bar Association.

Substitution Options:

• Possession of an associate (AA) degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) months of law-related work experience; or
• Completion of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of law-related courses from a postsecondary institution accredited by the American Bar Association or a national/regional accrediting organization; or
• Two (2) years of paralegal or law-related work experience under the direct supervision of an attorney.

Additional Information

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.