Paralegal, Temporary

About the role

This is a professional, legal assistance position requiring the ability to work under the supervision of attorneys; to understand and solve given legal problems; to conduct investigations for a variety of cases as requested by attorneys. The job will require legal research skills and a willingness to work independently once given a problem. The work will be under the direct supervision of the Corporation Counsel and other staff attorneys. This is a temporary assignment that will end no later than December 24, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Prepares draft legal pleadings, including appearances, answers, motions, and memoranda under the direction and supervision of staff attorneys.
• Maintains case documents in proper order, both in paper files and digital database.
• Maintains and updates office digital databases, ensuring accurate and organized case information for easy retrieval.
• Prepares drafts of simple contracts for review and revision by attorneys.
• Conducts investigations as assigned by attorneys by asking employees and/or department heads, as witnesses, a variety of questions relevant to the case in question; prepares accurate reports of such investigations upon request.
• Schedules and coordinates depositions, ensuring all parties are informed and necessary documents are prepared.
• Interviews witnesses as requested by attorneys.
• Schedules and notices public meetings; prepares meeting agendas and minutes; posts minutes to City website in compliance with public meeting laws.
• Schedules meetings and webinars for attorneys using current approved technologies.
• Provides administrative support for attorneys.

Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a Legal Studies/Paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
• One to three years’ experience in a law office, performing tasks such as legal research, document drafting and memoranda writing, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal research techniques, understanding case law and statutory materials.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil law.
• Knowledge of legal documents, pleadings, and litigation procedures.
• Proficiency in using legal software and applications for research, document preparation, and case management.
• Proficiency in utilizing office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to understand legal issues and to do statutory and case law research.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals to enhance investigative work assigned by staff attorneys.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of case files for investigative purposes.
• Ability to express ideas clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Demonstrated high ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional integrity in all interactions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear.
• Occasional lifting or force exerted up to 25 pounds.