PARALEGAL - LEAD

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Paralegal-Lead provides guidance to paralegals who perform a variety of administrative duties and research pertaining to litigation and other substantive legal matters that include preparing and reviewing documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing for trial.

Team Lead

• Oversee paralegals and assist with assigning projects and organizing and prioritizing tasks, caseload, and workflow.
• Assist in training new paralegals by preparing necessary training aides and resource guides.
• Maintain an index of office protocols.
• Provide guidance within the work unit for paralegals with questions or concerns about specific procedures.
• Provide training and support to paralegals on statutes, recorded judicial decisions, and other current legal updates.

Hearings and Case Files

• Investigate facts and analyze cases to prepare summaries for supervising attorneys and to formulate discovery requests for pro se plaintiffs and/or opposing counsel.
• Draft, edit, and revise discovery responses, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and correspondence.
• Assist with depositions and witness preparation.
• Prepare cases for and assist in federal and state court trials.
• Analyze case files and conduct related legal research, monitor legislative and administrative meetings and deliberations, and prepare summaries and reports.
• Summarize legal issues, defenses, and/or claim files; investigate, collect, and organize facts in connection with hearing preparation and litigation.
• Draft filings; research and analyze relevant court decisions, legislative documents, and public records.

Records, Reports, and Materials

• Obtain, review, index, and disclose confidential document productions.
• Acquire and summarize a variety of confidential and non-confidential records (including depositions).

Customer Service, Process Tracking, and Administrative

• Resolve inquiries and complaints by investigating the merits and preparing, collecting, and analyzing data.
• Perform general administrative functions, including sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing mail, developing and documenting office procedures and protocols, staffing the Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) call line, purchasing office items, and scheduling meetings.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, political science, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Three years of experience as a paralegal or research assistant performing duties closely related to this position, including at least one year of experience as a team lead in a law office or providing supervision for a team of legal support staff.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Paralegal certification from an accredited program.

Technical

• Knowledge of basic legal principles, legal research methodology, and principles of legal analysis.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to read and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and other compliance-related documents and laws.
• Ability to access information sources such as statutes, ordinances, decisions, legal articles, and documents.
• Ability to effectively utilize job-related computer software programs, including the Microsoft Office Suite and data backup systems such as Evault.
• Ability to engage in electronic discovery.
• Ability to conduct legal research using all available resources.

Communication, Interpersonal, and Customer Service

• Ability to prepare accurate and effective written communications, including reports, documents, and correspondence.
• Ability to verbally communicate complex legal issues and decisions clearly.
• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to work with others in a diplomatic and professional manner.

Judgment and Problem-Solving

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to function independently.
• Ability to analyze and organize data and files.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure calmly and effectively.
• Ability to multitask, establish priorities, meet multiple deadlines, and adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect information in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

The current starting salary (Pay Range 2GX) is $65,004-$74,974 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $66,954-$77,223 annually. Appointment will be made in accordance with the provisions of the salary ordinance.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO Code= 208

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.