Paralegal

Assigned to the City’s Law Department and District Court. Responsible for various administrative and clerical duties in support of those areas. Regular tasks include the drafting, filing, editing, proofreading and administration of legal documents and case files. Prepares various reports and summaries and other clerical and or administrative duties for criminal and civil cases in state and federal court. Work is performed in accordance with city ordinances, rules and regulations established by the Law Department. NOTE: The duties listed below are typical examples of work performed by positions with this job description. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty. Files pleadings (electronically or otherwise) with the appropriate court systems. Assists attorneys with legal research by locating applicable precedents, legal opinions, and statutes. Dockets dates into a central docketing system for civil, criminal, appellate, and other proceedings. Reviews, edits, and adjusts the litigation calendar and confirms depositions and court appearances. Drafts legal documents and pleadings, including deposition notices, subpoenas, authorizations, motions, settlement documents, and certifications. Monitors deadlines and ensures timely filing of documents with courts or other entities. Opens and closes files both internally and in the client’s database. Schedules meetings and hearings and manages the calendars of staff employees. Proofreads documents for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and format. Analyzes case documentation and summarizes depositions, interviews, interrogatories, and other case documents. Updates disclosures as additional evidence or documents are located. Researches information for cases, analyzes and organizes facts and evidence, and presents the material in written format. Assists with trial preparation, including the organization of exhibits, deposition abstraction, and witness notification. Assists with FOIA responses and ordinance revisions. Serves as backup for payroll processing and law department budgets. Other related duties as assigned by the City Attorney and/or his/her designee. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities In-depth knowledge of legal terminology and principles, legal practices and procedures; and legal document formatting, spelling, grammar, punctuation. Effectively screen and respond to inquiries and process all related documents. Ability to analyze facts and apply applicable legal principles accurately and effectively. Ability to exercise sound judgement and apply legal ethics in decision-making and design and maintain efficient file and case management systems. Ability to organize, schedule, and prioritize work; conduct legal research; and accurately complete assignments within established deadlines with limited supervision. Ability to interact professionally with department customers, accurately document information in files, and handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with elected officials, department heads, the general public, and other City employees with courtesy and tact. Familiar with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel. Associate’s Degree from a Paralegal program OR two (2) years of experience as support staff in a law firm or legal office. Necessary Special Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License at the time of appointment. Willingness to become a State of Michigan Notary Public at the time of appointment. Employees hired by the City must maintain residency within 25 miles of the nearest boundary of the City of Flint. #J-18808-Ljbffr