Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

THIS POSITION IS FUNDED TO BEGIN ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2027.

The Town of Garner, one of the nation’s fastest-growing towns in southeastern Wake County, is seeking a qualified paralegal to join the Legal Services Department. The Town’s Legal Department is committed to providing the Town of Garner and its public officials and employees with legal services of the highest quality so that the Town’s business is conducted efficiently, effectively, and economically. The ideal candidate will have an interest in all aspects of local government law, an ability to handle diverse work assignments, and a willingness to interact with Town staff, elected officials, and the public.

This position works directly with the Legal Department in providing legal services for the Town. Work is performed under general supervision of the Town Attorney.

This position will report to the Town Attorney and cover a wide range of legal areas that pertain to municipal government. Special emphasis may be given to candidates with extensive legal experience in local government law, real estate, contracts, civil litigation, and an interest in public safety and code enforcement.

We are looking for an individual with a strong work ethic, creativity, and a positive outlook.

Hybrid work opportunities may be available depending on the operational needs of the Legal Department.

Examples of Duties:

• Conduct long-term and short-term legal research projects.
• Assist in the interpretation and explanation of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct real property title searches and participate in negotiated acquisitions of land and easements.
• Review contracts, leases, and other agreements for compliance with State and federal law and Town ordinances and policies.
• Draft agenda memoranda, reports, resolutions, and ordinances for Town Council meetings.
• Document preparation necessary for litigation including pleadings, summons and complaints, motions, notices, calendar requests, subpoenas, discovery requests and responses and supporting exhibits.
• Assist with preparation for hearings/mediations/trials ; schedule mediations and depositions; communicate with court personnel, and others to facilitate progress of cases.
• Assist with the Legal Intern program.
• Participate in site visits to potential acquisition properties and meet with property owners or property acquisition consultants.
• Manage general legal department administrative tasks, including budgeting, scheduling meetings, processing invoices, tracking correspondence, delivering and retrieving documents from off-site locations, and preparing reports.
• Performs other appropriate duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must:

• Have Associate Degree in Paralegal Program or Legal Studies with two years experience in law office or similar environment supporting areas of legal practice such as title searches, contract review, drafting and editing legal documents, litigation support, and/or law office administrative support OR

• Bachelor Degree in a related field (Criminal Justice, Political Science, or Paralegal Studies) with one year of experience in a law office or similar environment supporting areas of legal practice such as title searches, contract review, drafting and editing legal documents, litigation support, and/or law office administrative support AND
• Be Proficient at using the NC Enterprise Justice Portal and E-File and Serve systems AND

• Notary Public in good standing or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment
• Valid driver’s license

Preference will be given to applicants who have:

• Experience working for a local government in North Carolina

• Have a North Carolina Paralegal Certification

• Experience researching the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and PACER databases
• Experience performing title searches in North Carolina

Additional Information:

The salary range shown is the hiring range. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.

Interested candidates must complete the application form as well as upload a current resume AND cover letter addressing current experience and interest in a local governmental legal office no later than October 9, 2026. Application reviews begin immediately. THIS POSITION IS FUNDED TO BEGIN ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2027.

Equal Opportunity Employer