Paralegal

Definition Under supervision of an attorney, performs a variety of paraprofessional legal duties for one of the legal departments of City government; engages in legal research assignments; interviews clients; assists in the preparation of legal documents and instruments; and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Features Positions in this class are established in order to effectively utilize the services of individuals who have completed a paraprofessional legal curriculum or related training. Employees in this class provide a variety of legal services and carry out important assignments not requiring the expertise of a professional attorney. Examples of Important and Essential Duties According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. 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 with proposed legislation and analysis or digesting of proposed legislation. As assigned, maintains a tracking system for adjusting claims against the City, coordinates investigation and departmental review of claims and communicates with members of the public and departmental representatives relative to claims against the City. Corresponds and communicates with attorneys, representatives of other governmental agencies and the general public. As assigned, analyzes depositions, exhibits, and pleadings to extract facts pertinent to issues argued on brief; may assemble exhibits, affidavits and other legal documents for use in preparing a trial. Interviews citizens with complaints and obtains information for appropriate City legal department; may observe a variety of legal conferences and proceedings; when assigned, attends and observes court room activities. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge of: legal procedures, legal terminology and legal research techniques. Ability and Skill to : speak and write effectively; analyze legal problems; perform legal research with accuracy and initiative; accept written and oral instructions; deal tactfully with attorneys, office personnel, court personnel, representatives of other governmental entities and the general public. Minimum Qualifications These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement. Education Completion of a certificated Paralegal Studies curriculum approved by the American Bar Association Experience License and Certification: Substitution The education as described above may be substituted by one of the following: 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 that has been accredited by the American Bar Association or by a national/regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education; OR Two (2) years of paralegal or law-related work experience under the direct supervision of an attorney Disaster Service Workers All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr