Job Title: Paralegal
Department: City Attorney
Reports To: City Attorney
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Grade 11
Minimum Annual Salary: $47,085.46, DOQ

Nature of Work

The Paralegal provides substantive legal and administrative support to attorneys in the preparation, management, and progression of legal matters. Work involves conducting legal and factual research, preparing and reviewing legal documents, maintaining case files, coordinating case-related activities, and assisting attorneys with hearings, discovery, trials, filings, and other legal proceedings.

The Paralegal performs assigned duties under the direction and supervision of attorneys and is expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate attention to detail, and ensure that work is completed accurately and within established deadlines. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment while maintaining professional communication with attorneys, clients, courts, government agencies, witnesses, and other external parties.

Examples of Work

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Conducts legal and factual research using statutes, regulations, case law, legal databases, court records, and other appropriate sources.
Gathers, organizes, and summarizes information relevant to legal cases, claims, investigations, contracts, and other matters.
Drafts, reviews, formats, and organizes legal documents, including pleadings, affidavits, briefs, contracts, correspondence, reports, discovery materials, and other legal documents.
Assists attorneys in preparing cases for hearings, depositions, trials, meetings, and other legal proceedings.
Organizes and maintains electronic and physical case files, records, exhibits, and supporting documentation.
Assists with discovery by organizing documents, reviewing records, preparing discovery materials, and tracking responses and deadlines.
Prepares exhibits, summaries, chronologies, indexes, and other materials used in case preparation.
Files and submits documents with courts, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable requirements.
Monitors court dates, filing deadlines, statutes of limitations, appointments, and other case-related deadlines.
Maintains calendars, case-management systems, databases, and document-management systems.
Communicates with clients, witnesses, courts, opposing counsel, government agencies, and other parties as directed.
Assists with contract and document review and supports legal and compliance-related activities.
Utilizes legal research platforms, case-management software, electronic filing systems, document-management systems, Microsoft Office, and other applicable technology.
Protects confidential and sensitive information and maintains appropriate professional discretion.
Performs other related legal support duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Requirements:

Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field; or
Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
Paralegal certification or completion of an ABA-approved paralegal education program is preferred.
Previous experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or in a related legal support position is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered where appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, documentation, and case-management practices.
Strong legal research, writing, proofreading, and analytical skills.
Ability to locate, evaluate, organize, and summarize legal information.
Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while meeting established deadlines.
Ability to maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic records.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and effectively use legal research, case-management, document-management, e-filing, and other legal technology systems.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with attorneys, legal staff, clients, and external parties.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced legal environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below represent those that may be required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
Ability to read and review documents, computer screens, and other written materials for extended periods.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, move, or retrieve files, boxes of documents, office supplies, and other materials.
Ability to move throughout an office, courthouse, records area, or other work location as required.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

The Paralegal works primarily in a professional legal office environment and may periodically work in courthouses, government offices, client locations, or other locations associated with legal matters. The position operates in a fast-paced environment in which accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to deadlines are essential. The Paralegal regularly interacts with attorneys, legal staff, clients, witnesses, courts, government agencies, opposing counsel, and other external parties.The position may involve periods of high workload, competing deadlines, and changing priorities. The Paralegal is expected to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail while working both independently and as part of a legal team.

Confidentiality and Professional Responsibility

The Paralegal may have access to confidential, privileged, proprietary, and sensitive information. The employee is responsible for safeguarding such information and handling all records and communications in accordance with applicable laws, professional standards, organizational policies, and attorney direction. The Paralegal shall perform substantive legal work only as permitted under applicable law and under the supervision and direction of a licensed attorney.

Disclaimer:

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and may be modified at any time based on the needs of the City.

Background Check Requirement
Completion of a background check is required as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Martinsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Drug-Free Workplace
The City of Martinsville is a Drug-Free Workplace. Post-offer applicants and employees are subject to marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol testing when the criteria outlined in City policy are met.

E-Verify
The City of Martinsville participates in the Federal E-Verify Program.

Work Authorization
The City of Martinsville is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Recruiting Agencies
The City of Martinsville does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, search firms, or independent recruiters. Resumes submitted without a signed recruiting agreement for a specific position will become the property of the City, and no placement fee will be paid.

Department: Administration
This is a full time position

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Paralegal (Martinsville, VA)

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