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Bellevue, WA - Paralegal

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City of Bellevue: Paralegal

JOB TITLE:

Paralegal

JOB FAMILY:

Legal

JOB TITLE CODE:

  

EEO CODE:

Professional

DEPARTMENT(S):

Legal

WAGE SCHEDULE:

G

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2001

JOB SUMMARY

Provides legal services for the City including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents, administer the departments Local Area Network.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts extensive legal research relating to complex problems and projects and prepares memoranda and/or opinions containing recommended courses of action and/or solutions to legal issues.
  • Conducts investigations and interviews with City employees and others in order to gather information relating to particular legal issues and/or litigation.
  • Provides assistance to various City departments relating to responses to legal issues and/or preparation of legal documents.
  • Prepares drafts of resolutions, ordinances, responses to legislative requests, leases and contracts.
  • Assist the City Attorney and/or Assistant City Attorneys in preparing for trial and assist the City Attorney and/or Assistant City Attorney in preparing responses to requests for legal opinions. Prepares drafts of initial pleadings, discovery documents, motions, briefs and other legal pleadings and papers relating to litigation.
  • Prepares graphic aids, tables, slides and other audio/visual devices for the City Attorney and/or Assistant City Attorneys.
  • Establishes and maintains a fully-indexed and cross-referenced bank of briefs, memoranda, and other research documents previously produced by the Department.
  • Oversees the organization and maintenance of materials in the City Attorney's Office's electronic research database and determines the need for new/updated materials.
  • Oversees and maintains the departments local area network.
  • Performs data processing related duties including using available statistical packages or programs, encoding data, performing data entry and retrieval, and routine computer network operations and systems maintenance.
  • Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under general supervision.

No formal supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Some college-level courses or graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with a certificate in Paralegal Studies or a related field

Three or more years of professional related experience.

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Paralegal certification required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research is required.

Knowledge of federal, state and local statutes and ordinances, the common law, and administrative rules and regulations.

Knowledge of legal publications and ability to keep such publications organized and up to date.

Extensive writing skills, including the ability to prepare legal memoranda, opinions, legal documents, briefs, resolutions, ordinances and other legal correspondence.

Enhanced communication skills, including the ability to interview witnesses, coordinate with other agencies and law offices, and discuss complex legal issues with attorney staff.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with City officials, employees, court officials and the general public.

Ability to use the computer to perform legal research and title searches.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.