Department:LegalReports to:City AttorneySummary:Under general supervision, provides a variety of skilled legal/paralegal administrative and technical functions in support of attorneys in the City Attorney's Office (CAO); manages projects and case files, researches legal issues, and prepares legal and technical documents.Essential Functions:Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs technical, legal, and administrative duties as needed in the City Attorney's Office (CAO).
Prepares a variety of draft legal documents, such as correspondence, reports, agenda items, resolutions, and/or ordinances for internal and external audiences; prepares and maintains a variety of records, reports, and files related to CAO.
Serves as initial contact/resource person by screening calls, visitors and mail; receives and routes legal documents and correspondence; responds to request for information and assistance; and refers more technical and substantive questions or issues to appropriate legal staff.
Coordinates and manages assigned projects; gathers information for agreements and litigation; provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
Assists CAO Attorneys with case review preparation for hearings and trials; creates graphs, charts, and other exhibits for use in court or case analysis; prepares trial checklist and notebooks; coordinates and revises court calendars, provides courtroom case support functions as needed; tracks deadlines and processing requirements and advises CAO attorneys of legal timetables and deadlines.
Provides a wide range of legal research and support functions which require knowledge of state laws and regulations, and City codes and ordinances; provides technical support to project work groups.
Establishes, maintains, and updates complex contracts, document files, and case files for criminal and civil cases; manages case files; tracks legal documents, and updates legal information.
Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.Minimum Qualifications:Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, or completion of a paralegal educational program approved by the American Bar Association; AND two years of attorney support experience, preferably in the state of Texas. Five years' experience in working in a law office as a legal secretary may be substituted for an Associate's degree.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Municipal government functions, political environments, and confidentiality standards.
State and federal rules and regulations covering municipal government.
Legal research techniques, internet resources, and legal terminology.
Principles and protocols for the management of official documents and court records.
Legal system and law enforcement agency procedures, and Texas court protocols and practices.
Principles of record keeping, case files, and records management.
Professional standards for business correspondence, writing, spelling, and grammar.
Customer service standards and protocols.
Working independently, maintaining composure and discretion, and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
Prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision.
Compiling data, and preparing reports, technical documents, and correspondence.
Explaining federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality.
Understanding and applying legal standards, policies, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
Reviewing and maintaining records, compiling technical information, and managing official records.
Providing legal administrative support to public sector attorneys.
Drafting, preparing, filing, and distributing various types of legal documents.
Dealing tactfully and courteously with co-workers, the general public, and others seeking information about City functions and activities.
Operating a personal computer utilizing specialized software, and entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
License and certification requirements:A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.Physical demands and working environment:Work is performed in a standard office environment.Skills test:Typing test of 30 wpm.ATTENTION APPLICANTSMUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Typing test with a score of 30 wpm.It is the applicant's responsibility to take and pass the required test by the posting deadline. Applicants who fail to do so will not be considered. The typing test is administered by the Texas Workforce Network, 2626 JBS Parkway.For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.https://odessatx.applicantpro.com/jobs/3458171-111611.html