Legal Assistant

Employment Opportunities Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me button. The City of Fernandina Beach has a full-time opening for a: Title: Legal Assistant Job Class Code:1285 Department(s):City Attorney GENERAL DESCRIPTION Specialized and confidential legal administrative support work, including preparation of legal documents and research. This position serves as the executive assistant to the City Attorney and performs advanced legal support involving litigation and preparation of ordinances, resolutions and all other items required of the City Attorney’s Office. All work is performed under the general supervision of the City Attorney. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Other duties may be required and assigned. Serves as the executive assistant to the City Attorney by planning, initiating and carrying out secretarial and administrative duties. Schedules and maintains City Attorney's calendar, hearings, trials, activities and meetings. Makes travel arrangements and processes travel reimbursements, as necessary. Receives and evaluates calls for City Attorney and facilitates requests for information and resolution of problems. Research, reviews and compiles information and records for the City Attorney. Assists City Commission, Charter Officers and department directors directly in responding to citizen inquiries under the direction of the City Attorney. Prepares notices of meetings and agendas, attends meetings, takes and transcribes summary of action and/or minutes, as required. Exercises reasonable initiative and independent judgment in responding to inquiries from municipal employees, department directors and the public, and recognizes and immediately brings priority and time-sensitive matters to the City Attorney’s attention. Coordinates, attends, and participates in administrative meetings as required. Prepares and manages department budget and processes purchase requests, purchase orders and invoices within the City Attorney’s budget. Provides litigation support, including scheduling hearings, calendaring response deadlines and court dates, organising litigation files, and preparing and filing certain pleadings and discovery documents. Prepares the City Attorney’s portion of City Commission agendas and coordinates with the City Manager’s Office to publish agendas by required deadlines. Prepares initial drafts of ordinances and resolutions as directed. Maintains knowledge of City’s Code of Ordinances, Land Development Code, and Comprehensive Plan, along with relevant state laws. Drafts and reviews legal documents as directed. Electronically files court documents in the appropriate jurisdiction. May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department. Files office correspondence and records, and makes sure notices, memoranda directives, and related materials are properly distributed and disposed of. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in legal/paralegal studies, government, or other closely related field preferred. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience, two of which in the legal field. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered in lieu of an associate’s degree. Preference will be given to applicants with local government experience. Certifications and Licenses: Certification as a professional legal secretary, certified legal assistant, or paralegal preferred. Drivers License with an acceptable driving record. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Performance Aptitudes: Knowledge of or ability to learn local court rules and legal procedures and local government quasi-judicial procedures. Knowledge of or ability to learn state electronic court filing system, federal court filing system PACER and office record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of the principles of office management and administration. Ability to compose initial drafts of ordinances, resolutions, pleadings, letters, and memoranda for review by the City Attorney. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees at all levels, individuals with other government agencies and the general public. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) required. Knowledge of or ability to learn records management and retention, including knowledge of the Florida Public Records and Open Meetings (Sunshine) Laws. Knowledge of methods and techniques of legal research, discovery and investigation including electronic research tools such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Ability to manage several assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively. Ability to exercise mature judgement and make moderately complex decisions. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain security and confidentiality. Essential Physical Skills: Work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling and driving between City campuses. Occasionally will require extended periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Requires visual acuity (corrected or uncorrected) and communication with staff and the public in person and/or on the phone. May be required to occasionally lift, push, and carry up to 25 pounds. Work is typically performed in an office environment. The City of Fernandina Beach, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check and may be required to undergo drug screening. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. #J-18808-Ljbffr