Senior Paralegal - Criminal Division

Position Description

Restricted to current City of Minneapolis employees in the City Attorney's Office
This position coordinates and performs more complex special projects, generates complex statistical reports, coordinates and compiles other reporting data, builds and administers databases, works on multi-faceted complex special projects and duties, and provides training and guidance to new paralegal staff.

Salary: Anticipated starting salary range is: $31.97 - $44.73/hour, depending on qualifications.

Work Location: This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage multi-faceted complex special projects as required by management.
2. Assist attorneys in investigating claims in litigation.
3. Locate and review relevant documents in complex litigation matters.
4. Draft pleadings.
5. Act as a designated administrator to perform back-end complex case management program maintenance in records management systems, including, but not limited to, data corrections, retention/deletion schedules, entity records accuracy, document deletion, and evidence accuracy.
6. Assist with developing, implementing, and continually enhancing computerized information systems. Configure new software systems.
7. Expert end user in software programs able to troubleshoot technological difficulties.
8. Create and maintain statistical databases relied on for accurate data and information.
9. Compile meaningful statistical reports to inform policy decisions made by management.
10. Serve as subject matter expert and project team member supporting current and future department information technology-related issues and systems.
11. Create and update standard operating procedures for paralegals and other support staff tasks
12. Answer questions from other classifications in the City Attorney's Office and partner agencies; is the go-to person for institutional information.
13. Provide varied, complex operational analyses to support the department.
14. Create strong relationships with partner agencies and facilitate the timely exchange of information.
15. Act as a liaison between paralegals and management, including questions and discussions regarding policies, procedures, and the work environment.
16. Train new and existing employees in paralegal functions and software programs.
17. Perform data integrity audits.
18. Expert level understanding of data practice requirements and review of paralegal work to ensure compliance.
19. Responsible for onboarding new paralegal staff.
20. Identify ways to improve staff capacity by enhancing production, increasing the quality of work, productivity, efficiency, and technical skills, and building better relationships between attorneys, paralegals, legal support specialists, victim witness specialists, and technology personnel.
21. Perform some paralegal duties to stay current on litigation trends and the experiences of other paralegals.


Working Conditions: Office environment.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education: Graduation from an American Bar Association Bar-approved paralegal, Legal Assistant, or equivalent program.


Minimum Experience: Three to five years of related experience.


Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

An updated cover letter and resume are strongly encouraged, but not required.

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.


Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (CPE). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: Professional Employees - City of Minneapolis

Eligible List Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established.

Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Strong organizational and project management skills
2. Ability to initiate and prioritize multiple projects
3. Ability to multi-task and deal with competing priorities
4. Ability to lead others on projects
5. Excellent communication skills; strong written and oral communication skills
6. Strong cultural competency and ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people from all backgrounds and cultures
7. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff of the City Attorney's Office, the City enterprise, justice partners, and members of the public
8. Capacity to handle complex projects involving the highest level of subject matter and procedural expertise
9. Ability to manage a high level of complexity, work under pressure, and maintain professional composure
10. Strong problem-solving skills
11. Strong conflict management skills
12. Ability to learn technology and programs without direction or formal training
13. Competence in database creation, management, and data analysis
14. Proficiency in collecting, organizing, formatting, and presenting information electronically in programs

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.