Paralegal

The paralegal performs paraprofessional legal support work for attorneys in the City Attorneys Office. Work includes a variety of specialized tasks such as drafting contracts, litigation pleadings and other legal documents; performing legal research and preparation of case files, in matters related to procurement, real property, tort, corporations, government, labor, employment, workers compensation, land use and zoning, construction law, constitutional law, and other typical paralegal duties as may be assigned, under the supervision of an attorney.

1. Assists with meeting materials and agenda item support related to contracts; initiates and drafts legal documents as assigned.
2. Draft, format, proofread, and finalize municipal agreements and related documents, including procurement contracts, construction contracts, professional services agreements, amendments, renewals, addenda, change orders, exhibits, and related correspondence.
3. Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and others regarding required contract documentation and execution requirements.
4. Litigation support for garnishments, Risk Protection Orders, civil forfeiture proceedings, animal cruelty and dangerous dog files, along with related case management, document preparation, and coordination with internal departments and external stakeholders.
5. Handles real estate matters, including foreclosure, bankruptcy and tax deeds.
6. Handles administrative processing of legal cases and claims filed by or against the City, including collection and preparation of relevant documents and correspondence with the parties.
7. Assists in preparation of discovery documents, including requests for production, interrogatories and responsive pleadings.
8. Assists in the coordination of persons involved in the investigation of claims made by or against the City, including interviews and communication with employees, managers, outside counsel and insurance adjusters.
9. Prepares communications, email, telephone, letters and memos; assembles and copies documents.
10. Assists in the preparation of pleadings and motions; manages litigation, appeals, property transactions and all other types of matters involving City business.
11. Analyzes and summarizes depositions, witness statements and documentary evidence.
12. Maintains all aspects of file documents.
13. Conducts legal research, summarizing case information, preparing memorandums of law and presenting information to attorneys.
14. Prepare documents related to the preparation for, response to and recovery after an emergency event.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned. These additional duties may be representative of tasks typically performed by those in a lesser or more advanced job grade.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is part of the Citys Emergency Management Team and, as such, shall be expected to perform all duties that are assigned during an emergency management operation. Any additional compensation, above the normal weekly salary shall be outlined by the City Manager in the Citys Emergency Management Activation and Emergency Declaration. Failure to appear to perform emergency management assignment and to work assigned shifts as scheduled by the Citys Emergency Management Director or individuals designated by the City Manager to assign such functions will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Associate degree in paralegal studies from an approved paralegal program.
• Experience in Local Government Law or related fields preferred.
• Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
  • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) certification preferred.
  • Florida Registered Paralegal preferred.
  • Florida Notary License or ability to acquire within six (6) months

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret work related documents.
• Proficient knowledge and utilization of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Florida court procedures and e-filing requirements.
• Experience with drafting construction contracts using EJCDC (Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee) contracts and AIA (American Institute of Architects) contracts.
• Experience in procurement and contracting preferred.
• Proficient in legal writing for the purpose of drafting pleadings, agreements, case summaries, memoranda, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of mathematical concepts as applied to this position.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain legal confidentiality of all communications relating to City business.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze, interpret and report findings and to make conclusions and recommendations that can be legally supported.
• Ability to type at the prescribed rate of speed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate copious file matters frequently requiring stringent deadlines that may require night and weekend work.
• Thorough working knowledge of computer office software, including word processing, document management, electronic mail and financial programs.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and database programs preferred.
• Proficient in using legal research resources, including Lexis, Westlaw, Internet services, library materials.
• Proficient with electronic case management software.
• Ability to perform routine to complex administrative and financial support activities.
• Ability to use personal computers and other standard office machines and equipment.