Paralegal at City of Virginia Beach in Municipal Center Bldg 10B

Paralegal

Location: Municipal Center Bldg 10B

Department:

COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY

Compensation Grade:

G23

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay range: $51,979.20 - $80-995.20
Starting salary is dependent on qualifications and comparable experience.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for prosecuting those charged with violating the criminal laws of Virginia in Virginia Beach. We are seeking a paralegal to perform complex work of a technical and frequently confidential nature.

Duties can include:

• Preparing correspondence and legal papers

• Performing research as necessary; drafting legal documents and court orders at the request of an attorney or on own initiative

• Creating indictments and jury instructions; preparing electronic discovery

• Assisting attorneys in case preparation and trials; updating database to reflect correct and current docket information

• Acting as a liaison with witnesses and government agencies (e.g., Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Probation & Parole, Clerk’s Offices, Secretary of the Commonwealth and Attorney General)

• Assisting with the review of body-worn camera videos; performing audio/visual editing and redactions

• Utilizing multimedia equipment

• Adhering to deadlines; working independently and as a team

• Performing clerical duties to include answering telephone and email inquiries; and handling criminal work and some civil work.

In order to be a successful candidate in this position, you must be able to manage multiple tasks, organize detailed information, and understand and follow complex instructions. Paralegals will actively assist attorneys to prepare for court hearings. Paralegals are responsible for drafting discovery for cases in each court; this can include drafting the detailed response, redacting specific information, and sending it electronically. We also desire candidates who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, works well under pressure and meet deadlines. The candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Lastly, the selected candidates should be able to sit and operate a computer terminal for up to 6 hours each day.

The preferences for this position include:

• Professional experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant

• Professional experience with Virginia criminal law

• Experience working in a Commonwealth's Attorney office

• Experience drafting complex legal documents; including pleadings, motions, and orders

• Experience preparing and sending discovery responses, including e-discovery

• Experience supporting attorneys in court and/or with trial preparation

• Experience with updating databases with case updates, such as new court dates and case dispositions

• Experience working with Body-worn camera and digital evidence

Why Work with Us?

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offers a unique opportunity to serve your community while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, this is a great place to grow professionally and personally.

At the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, balanced, and rewarding work environment for our employees. As part of our commitment to your success and well-being, we offer a wide range of incentives and benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Incentives and Benefits:

• Teleworking: Ability to work from home on a periodic basis depending on your job responsibilities.

• Generous Paid Time Off: With 15 paid holidays each year, we ensure you have ample time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Your health is our priority. Our benefits package includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.

• Peer Support Program: Office provides a peer support team to provide resources and assist supporting the mental health of staff.

• Life Insurance Coverage: Feel secure knowing you are covered with life insurance as part of our commitment to your long-term well-being.

• Robust Retirement Benefits: We want you to have peace of mind for the future. Take advantage of our competitive retirement plan options, including a pension program, to help you plan for a comfortable retirement.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: We understand the burden of student loans. Since we are public service, many employees have the potential for public service student loan forgiveness programs to ease their financial journey.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Whether you're pursuing a degree or continuing education, we support your professional growth with tuition reimbursement programs to assist with educational expenses.

• Collaborative and Inclusive Work Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals in a positive and inclusive environment that values teamwork, integrity, and service to the community.

Additional requirements:
• DMV Transcript: No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: Yes

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to five (5) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant. May be required to possess a Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Skills:

Criminal Justice, Criminal Prosecutions, Drafting Documents, Legal Documents, Legal Support, Multitasking, Paralegal Duties, Working Independently

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.