Legal Assistant

Description

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for a Legal Assistant in the City Attorney's Office.

For complete job information, please refer to thejob announcement.

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review is March 8, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply now!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides specialized paraprofessional and technical support to the legal and risk management divisions of the City Attorney's Office; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This paraprofessional classification with specialized legal support responsibility in the City Attorney's Office requires specialized knowledge of legal policies, procedures, and functions.All responsibilities and duties must be performed in a confidential and tactful manner.This job classification is designated "Confidential" and may have access to information related to the administration of employee-employer relations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by the Law Office Supervisor. Direction on projects/assignments may be provided by professional staff members in the City Attorney's Office.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide assignments and direction to temporary employees, volunteers, and consultants.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Legal/Litigation Support Functions

Performs a wide variety of complex and confidential legal support tasks and other duties for attorneys and the Risk Management division in the City Attorney's Office, including drafting of general pleadings, discovery, memoranda, correspondence, reports, contracts, and other legal documents; prepares basic and complex court documents requiring knowledge of legal procedures, format, and terminology, in accordance with federal, state, and local rules; files legal papers with the proper court; performs legal research under the supervision of an attorney; identifies and verifies legal citations; organizes documents and files in preparation for hearings and trials; provides assistance with locating references in the law library; maintains law library; processes liability and workers compensation claims and litigation against the City; and provides information on claims and litigation to the Risk Manager, attorneys, department staff, third-party administrators, and outside attorneys.

Administrative Functions

Establishes and maintains accurate, up-to-date files; reviews and processes City contracts; responds to both internal and external inquiries; prepares and submits reports, such as required state and federal reports; provides information related to the work of the office to the public, law firms, courts, and various city, county, state, and other public and private agencies and entities; uses personal computer to perform word processing, spreadsheet and specialized functions with a high level of proficiency in computer software programs, including Microsoft Office; compiles statistical data and spreadsheet reports; builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public; monitors monthly expenditures and maintains specific financial records; assists in the development and monitoring of office budget; and may complete projects in support of employee relations activities; receives and processes mail; schedules meetings; and other duties as assigned.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Basic legal concepts, principles, terminology and procedures, legal research capabilities, legal documents, court rules, forms and procedures required in a law office; processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents; pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations including the Ralph M. Brown Act; principles and practices of records management systems; basic accounting principles and practices; functions of notary public; modern office practices and procedures; personal computer operating systems and software applications; proper English usage; spelling, grammar and punctuation and demonstrated proficiency; operation and applications of modern office equipment; and alphabetical, numerical and chronological filing.

Demonstrated Skill to:

Work under the pressure of deadlines; maintain confidentiality; perform technical administrative support work involving independent judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures; use critical thinking skills to write logically and fluently; read, write, comprehend, and interpret complex business, medical, and legal documents; collect, compile, and present a variety of data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; effectively prioritize work assignments and multi-task to ensure assignments are completed in a timely manner; transcribe from electronic dictating equipment; accurately proofread a variety of documents, including contracts and memoranda to identify and correct grammatical and contextual errors; follow and implement instruction; use critical thinking skills toward achieving a goal when step-by-step instructions are not provided; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;; understand and follow oral and written instructions; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet, and specialized functions; meet the City's keyboarding standard (45 net wpm); respond to internal and external customers in a professional, creative, and cooperative manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.

Ability to:

Effectively apply the required knowledge and skills in the daily performance of assigned duties; develop solutions, within established guidelines, using initiative, tact, and good judgment; remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions; and read, comprehend, and interpret City and departmental policies, procedures, laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates.A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:One year of increasingly responsible legal support experience, involving preparing and filing documents with the court.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by business or legal courses.

License: May require the possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Certification: Paralegal certificate from an American Bar Association approved program and California Notary Public certification are highly desirable.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; attend meetings, workshops and seminars during work and non-work hours as assigned.

Special Requirements:Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to read fine print and computer monitors; converse over the telephone and in person; operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and other office equipment; bend, stoop, stretch and reach; strength to safely lift and maneuver up to 30 pounds.

Retitled to Legal Assistant from Legal Secretary:3/2004

Additional Information

Non-Exempt.