General Description
Under minimal supervision, performs paralegal services for, and on behalf of, the City. This position requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment on matters of significance involving the City's general operations. Assists with case planning, development, and management, legal research, interviews clients, gather facts and retrieves information, drafts and analyzes legal documents and collects, compiles, and utilizes technical knowledge, to make recommendations to an attorney. This position requires the ability to type 35+ wpm, and knowledge in Microsoft Office suite
Distinguishing Characteristics
Sr. Paralegal is distinguished from the Paralegal class by the technical knowledge and experience that is required to perform the job. Sr. Paralegal possess an enhanced level of expertise and knowledge, with a higher degree of autonomy with greater responsibilities.
Essential Functions
Performs paralegal work by following direction of supervisor, locating and interviewing potential witnesses, identifying experts, obtaining physical evidence, preparing statements, scheduling depositions and independent medical examinations, tracking disclosures, composing correspondence, tracking deadlines and maintaining internal litigation unit trial docket and calendars.
Conducts legal research and writing by determining legal issues, researching applicable law, drafting original legal pleadings, motions, statements, and ensuring content is current and within the laws.
Assists with trial preparations by coordinating facts, witnesses, and experts, scheduling court appearances, preparing subpoenas, organizing exhibits, drafting jury instructions and requesting equipment needed for visual aids.
Performs clerical duties by creating, indexing, maintaining, and updating case files and computer databases, processing incoming mail, faxes, creating notebooks, transcribing dictation, and closing and archiving case files as required.
Minimum Qualifications
(1) An Associate degree in Paralegal or legal assistant studies from an accredited college, or a Bachelor's or higher degree in a related field such as law, business, legal secretary, criminal justice, or political science, from an accredited college or university AND two (2) years of relevant experience working in a legal setting, under the direction of an attorney, performing functions consistent with Paralegal or legal assistant duties;
OR
(2) A certificate of completion in Paralegal or legal assistant studies from an American Bar Association-approved program at an accredited college or university AND two (2) years of relevant experience working in a legal setting, under the direction of an attorney, performing functions consistent with Paralegal or legal assistant duties.
OR
Public Defender / Criminal Division
Any combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to four (4) years of relevant experience working in a legal setting, under the direction of an attorney, performing functions consistent with Paralegal or legal assistant duties.
OR
Civil Division
Any combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to six (6) years of relevant experience working in a legal setting, under the direction of an attorney, performing functions consistent with Paralegal or legal assistant duties.
Special Job Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENCY:
Environment/Working Conditions
This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements
None
Other Information
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Occupational Group Code: 05
Occupation Group Description:
Legal and Judicial
EEO Job Category Code: F
EEO Job Category Description:
Office and Clerical
Organizational Level: First
Level Employee
NCCI: 8820
Bargaining Unit: CWA
Driving Requirements
The following information pertains to driving requirements for this classification with the City of Tucson. Under "Driving Level" None, Secondary or Primary, refers to the driving responsibility as it relates to the essential functions of the classification. License Type, is just that, the type of Arizona Driving License required for the classification. If the position requires a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), the endorsements will be listed under "Endorsements." Under Safety Sensitive a "Yes" means employees with this classification are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. License Type A,B,C,D,or M may require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage. Exceptions to classification driving requirement's may exist based on position.
Driving Level: Secondary
License Type: Valid and Unrestricted Class D - Driver
CDL Endorsements: None
Safety Sensitive: No
Job Description Disclaimer
This description is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty. They are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.
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