PARA-LEGAL ASSISTANT II (SR-18) [1 vacancy]

City and County of Honolulu; Hawaii; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City and County of Honolulu seeks a Paralegal Assistant II to support Deputies Corporation Counsel. Responsibilities include organizing case files, drafting legal documents, and preparing materials for hearings and appeals.

The role requires five years of progressively responsible legal experience and a high school diploma with substitution options. The position supports litigation in state and federal courts and demands strong research, writing, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; substitution of education/experience allowed for some general experience.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience involving research, application, interpretation or explanation of laws, rules and regulations, with two years in legal procedures and drafting in a law office.
• Solid understanding of legal terminology, court forms, and criminal procedures.
• Experience with legal research, discovery, and fact-finding methods.
• Strong legal writing and document drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Compile and organize case files, legal materials, exhibits, and discovery documents.
• Coordinate with attorneys to exchange case-related materials.
• Conduct legal research and summarize laws, cases, and statutes.
• Draft legal correspondence, memoranda, briefs, and related documents.
• Prepare materials for administrative hearings, litigation, and appeals.
• Track and ensure compliance with court orders, subpoenas and deadlines.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting documents

Case file organization

Communication

Interviews and information gathering

Deadline management

Confidentiality

Legal terminology

Interpersonal skills

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Keeping the City's Legal Matters on Track

The Department of the Corporation Counsel, Counseling and Drafting Division, is seeking a Para‑Legal Assistant II to assist Deputies Corporation Counsel with administrative hearings and appeals, drafting legal advice and opinions, and defending the City in litigation before the State of Hawaii Circuit Court, United States District Court, and state and federal appellate courts. Help support the deputies corporation counsel by organizing case files, managing and calendaring deadlines, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents and exhibits, and coordinating case‑related materials. Be the one whom the deputies rely on to keep matters organized, on schedule, and moving toward resolution.

What You Will Do

• Compile and organize case files, legal materials, exhibits, and discovery documents
• Coordinate with the attorneys to exchange case-related materials
• Conduct legal research and summarize laws, cases, and statutes
• Draft legal correspondence, memoranda, briefs, and related documents
• Prepare materials for administrative hearings, litigation, and appeals
• Track and ensure compliance with court orders, subpoenas and case-related deadlines

Education Requirement

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Responsible work experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted for education.

Substitution

Relevant education and training from a regionally‑accredited college or university in a paralegal, legal assistant or law program may be used to substitute for some of the required general experience involving the research, application, interpretation or explanation of laws, rules and regulations. The amount of time credited for the substitution will be dependent on the specific program you completed. There is no substitution for the required work experience in a law office.

Education Verification

Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration.

Experience Requirement

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience involving the research, application, interpretation or explanation of laws, rules and regulations, two (2) of which shall have demonstrated a thorough working knowledge of legal procedures and terminology and the drafting, review and processing of legal papers and documents in a law office.

Applicable Skills Needed

• Solid understanding of legal terminology, court forms, and criminal procedures
• Experience with legal research, discovery, and fact‑finding methods
• Understanding of the rules of evidence and courtroom proceedings
• Strong legal writing and document drafting skills
• Skilled in reviewing case materials, including jury‑related documents
• Competence in analyzing laws and applying them to specific situations
• Ability to research, compile, and clearly summarize complex information
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interviewing and information‑gathering techniques
• Professional interpersonal skills for working with colleagues and the public
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information

Salary

Actual salary will be commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval.

Benefits

Enjoy excellent employment benefits including generous time off (up to 21 vacation days, 21 sick leave days, and holidays), comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, career development, and much more!

Eligibility Requirements

At the time of application, you must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non‑citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.

If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for consideration for the current vacancy/vacancies and future job openings with this job title. Screening will be based on the education, experience, and other job‑related information provided in your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or you receiving a lower rating. All information provided on an application is subject to verification. As applicable, false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts are grounds for disqualification and/or termination of employment with the City and County of Honolulu.