City of Pontiac→
Paralegal I at City of Pontiac in Pontiac, MI
Job Description
Paralegal I
Location: Pontiac, MI, US
JOB DESCRIPTION
Paralegal I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Full-Time
Pay Grade:
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Reports to Law Director
Supervision Given: No direct reports
DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Law Director, Paralegal provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to the Law Director in support of court proceedings and legal transactions. This role involves legal research, document drafting, case preparation, and file management while applying appropriate legal terminology and maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. The Paralegal works under the supervision of the Law Director and plays a critical role in the efficient operation of the legal department.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist the Law Director with legal research using statutes, judicial decisions, legal codes, and legal articles.
- Analyze legal issues and summarize findings to support case strategy and legal arguments.
- Draft, review, and edit legal documents including briefs, pleadings, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
- Conduct fact-finding, data collection, and analysis to support statements, arguments, and case preparation.
- Assist the Law Director with depositions, interviews, discovery, investigations, and trial preparation.
- Manage, organize, and archive legal documents using legal software and document management systems.
- Maintain accurate case files and ensure proper handling of confidential information.
- Apply specialized legal terminology appropriately in all documents and communications.
- Perform administrative support duties including scheduling, client correspondence, and file maintenance.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ experience.
- Paralegal Certification required.
- Knowledge of legal research methods, court procedures, and legal documentation.
- Proficiency with legal research tools, document management systems, and office software.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Knowledge of legal terminology, legal procedures, and court rules.
- Knowledge of legal research methods and sources, including statutes, case law, legal codes, and legal publications.
- Knowledge of document preparation standards for pleadings, motions, briefs, and contracts.
- Knowledge of discovery processes, deposition procedures, and trial preparation.
- Knowledge of records management, document retention, and confidentiality requirements.
- Strong legal research and analytical skills.
- Proficient drafting and editing skills for legal documents and correspondence.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficiency in legal research databases, document management systems, and office software.
- Ability to proofread and ensure accuracy in legal documents.
- Ability to analyze complex legal information and summarize findings clearly.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently while following attorney direction.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, and legal staff.
- Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Working Conditions:
- Office setting with occasional attendance at public meetings, including evenings.
- Extended hours may be required for preparation of cases, meetings, or special projects