Paralegal I
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/1/02
Comp. Code
8810
Confidential
Classified
Job Title
Paralegal I
Definition
Under general direction, to perform administrative and technical work for the City Attorney's Office; to assist the City Attorney and Assistant City Attorneys in various legal tasks; to perform related work as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Paralegal I class is the entry level in the paralegal series, where incumbents work independently to perform the more routine paralegal duties, generally of a processing, monitoring, or data gathering nature, but more difficult technical duties and responsibilities than the clerical classes.
Typical Duties
Prepare draft and final letters, memoranda, reports, administrative procedures, routine contracts, resolutions, ordinances, pleadings and other legal documents; perform research on non-complex questions of law; participate in the preparation of cases for trial, including preparation of witnesses and documents; respond to public requests for information and service; independently perform routine processing of legal documents; maintain law library; provide support to the Administrative Analyst as needed; maintain the department budget, process invoices, analyze expenditures, and prepare budget requests; perform secretarial duties as necessary; may supervise the work of others; work independently to perform assigned tasks.
Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer including word processing software; basic computerized research tools; typewriter; dictation equipment; copy machine; fax machine; calculator.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is typical of a busy office, ranging from quiet to moderately noisy.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Basic legal concepts, terminology, principles and practices; structure and use of legal reference materials; requirements for filing pleadings and other legal documents with State and Federal courts; principles and practices of organization and management; correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; research and statistical methods; modern office practices, including commonly used word processing and legal research programs, procedures, and equipment .
Ability to
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; collect, compile, analyze and interpret legal information; work cooperatively with elected officials, management staff, employees and others; ability to type at a net rate of 45 words per minute; ability to effectively use computer word processing programs.
Experience
Three years of work experience as a legal secretary; or two years as a secretary in the City Attorney's Office; or possession of a Paralegal Certificate from an accredited training program; or substantial experience performing legal research.
Education
High school graduation or equivalent. A Paralegal Certificate from an accredited training program or the completion of the equivalent of one year at an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License.