Paralegal

If you have the needed qualifications, please complete an application @ www.bellevue.net .

This position will be posted until close of business May 10, 2024.

This position is subject to a veterans' preference.

CITY OF BELLEVUE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Full-Time Unclassified

POSITION TITLE: Paralegal

REPORTS TO: City Attorney

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the City Attorney, performs paralegal duties for the City in areas of civil and administrative law, including but not limited to drafting of pleadings and miscellaneous documents, preparing discovery, attending trials and other hearings, interviewing and coordinating witnesses, clerical work, organizing and maintaining legal files, and all other specifically delegated legal work for which the City Attorney is responsible.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist the City Attorney with all aspects of case and file management.

Assist with all aspects of case preparation and drafting items such as pleadings, discovery and other correspondence for the City Attorney.

Coordinating the City Attorney's schedule, filing and accepting incoming calls for the City Attorney.

Conducting research and presenting information.

Prepares factual, clear and concise written reports.

Assists in the preparation of resolutions, ordinances, notices of public hearings, deeds, contracts, leases and other agreements as assigned.

Attends hearings and meetings with the City Attorney as needed or requested.

Courteously communicates with the public and City staff on the behalf of the City Attorney's office.

Provides information to staff and general public regarding City ordinances and policies.

Monitors proposed state and federal legislation which impacts municipalities.

Preserve confidentiality of Legal department and City business.

Performs other duties as directed or as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

General knowledge of, and ability to apply, City Code, federal law and general State law, with particular reference to municipal legal provisions and municipal law.

Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

Proficient knowledge and skill of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Knowledge and ability to successfully utilize "Casemaker" case research program.

Knowledge of "Justice" for online case filings and management.

Knowledge of municipal government structure and function as well as knowledge of procedures, standards and current developments in effective city government.

Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of city responsibilities and ability to use independent judgment in the performance of duties.

Ability to author independent work-related correspondence.

Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such materials effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain confidences and routinely handle extremely sensitive and political information; skills in human relations, diplomacy, tact and negotiating.

Ability to analyze data and prepare clear and accurate presentations, reports and informational materials in oral and written format.

Ability to work varying schedules, including nights and weekends.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with city officials, fellow employees, members of the public and patrons.

Ability to accurately prepare and maintain various records, reports and other city documents.

Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

This position has a high degree of access to confidential information and shall be bound by the same confidentiality requirements as the City Attorney. All matters shall be confidential and not disclosed to third-parties other than the City Attorney and other authorized City officials including, but not limited to, the Mayor and City Administrator.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or a closely related field.

• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the legal field. Experience working in a municipality with a population similar to the population of Bellevue or greater preferred.

• Paralegal Certificate, preferred

• Must possess a valid drivers' license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

• The City may accept any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed indoors in an office setting and requires routine bending, lifting and carrying office supplies, books, files and other materials.

The position requires frequent sitting for extended periods of time, talking, hearing and the ability to transport to and from various locations within City Hall. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various other pieces of equipment.

While performing the duties, the position requires the use of hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and to reach with hands and arms. Work hours may occasionally be required in times of darkness. Vision abilities required for this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.

Work requires extensive interaction with the public, the Mayor, City Council and employees and may be stressful when managing multiple tasks, dealing with complaints and/or meeting deadlines.

APPLICANT SUBJECT TO BACKGROUND CHECK

The applicant shall be subject to and will consent to a background check of the applicant's criminal record (if any), including traffic citations. Record of a crime of moral turpitude or a felony shall disqualify the applicant for the position. The City shall also conduct routine background and reference checks.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER:

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the City and the requirements of the position change over time.

Created/Approved January 30, 2019

The City of Bellevue is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If specific accommodations are needed in order to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office at (402)293-3019.