Paralegal

Paralegal Location: Merit System TARGET CLOSE DATE: 05/22/2026 PAY GRADE: Grade 20 TYPE: Full time JOB SUMMARY: Paralegals working within the Merit System are responsible for providing administrative and paraprofessional support to attorneys in preparation for legal proceedings (e.g., litigation, prosecution). Employees in this position conduct research using legal databases and resources, investigate legal claims made against their jurisdictions (e.g., City of Birmingham, Jefferson County), prepare documentation for court cases, and communicate case information to involved parties (e.g., witnesses, attorneys, opposing parties, city representatives). Paralegals work both in an office and courtroom setting using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier) and have no supervisory responsibilities to subordinate personnel. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency. Birmingham: $45,136 - $70,012 Jefferson County: $50,128 - $77,771 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position. Minimum qualifications are subject to change: Experience drafting legal documents (e.g., pleadings, discovery, briefs, research memoranda, motions) using word processing software (e.g., MS Word). Experience researching laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, etc. using various resources (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis, books, internet). Experience managing legal files (e.g., collecting and organizing relevant case information, calendaring, extraditions, sentencing guidelines worksheet). Experience managing civil and/or criminal litigation (e.g., case management and discovery, managing electronic document systems, preparing and/or reviewing subpoenas, gathering documents, preparing responses to discovery requests. TYPICAL JOB DUTIES: Researches and analyzes legal sources using databases, statutes, case law, rules, and regulations to maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, legal procedures, and court requirements. Investigates claims and complaints by interviewing witnesses, documenting incident sites, gathering evidence, reviewing records, and preparing statements to support litigation and reduce potential liability. Drafts and prepares legal documents such as correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, affidavits, discovery requests and responses, and factual summaries to support case development and attorney work products. Organizes, serves, files, produces, and maintains legal documents and records for courts, attorneys, clients, and opposing parties to ensure compliance with court rules and support case preparation. Coordinates with attorneys, opposing counsel, City departments, witnesses, experts, court personnel, and the public to facilitate case development, information exchange, and trial preparation. Assists with discovery by collecting, reviewing, organizing, and indexing documents; drafting responses; preparing privilege logs; and tracking deadlines to ensure complete and timely compliance. Manages case files and updates the legal case-management system by tracking deadlines, documenting case activity, and maintaining accurate, organized files for attorney review. Prepares summaries of depositions, interviews, records, and investigative findings to support attorney analysis and case strategy. Assists in trial preparation by organizing exhibits, preparing witness files, assembling trial notebooks, scheduling witnesses, and coordinating logistics with internal and external parties. Communicates with claimants, complainants, City staff, opposing parties, and members of the public to obtain information, clarify requests, schedule meetings, and relay case-related updates. Processes and responds to public records requests by gathering documents, reviewing materials for exemptions, and coordinating responses in accordance with applicable laws and policies. Assists in managing legal billing, cost tracking, and contract or claim-related documentation to support administrative and financial processes within the department. Attends court proceedings (e.g., circuit, criminal, municipal) to take notes, document case activity, assist attorneys as needed, redact sensitive information for filings and disclosures, prepare materials related to discovery sanctions or compliance, and communicate with opposing counsel regarding scheduling, document issues, and case status. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Job may also involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in an office setting and involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. EEO STATEMENT: The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website. ACCOMMODATION: To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.orgor phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process. NOTE: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply. DISCLAIMER: This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. Additional Locations: Jefferson County, Birmingham