Paralegal

City of Albuquerque; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Albuquerque in New Mexico seeks a Paralegal to assist an assigned attorney in civil, administrative and criminal matters from inception through resolution. You will support hearings, depositions and trials, maintain confidentiality, and organize exhibits and documents.

The role requires an Associate's degree or Paralegal certification and at least 3 years of paralegal experience, with a valid NM driver's license and COP within 6 months. ProLaw experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Paralegal Certification required.
• At least 3 years of paralegal experience working under supervision of an attorney or judge.
• Experience with ProLaw or case management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff assistance to an assigned attorney; assist in preparing for advisory meetings, hearings, court appearances, legislative sessions and trainings.
• Perform legal research; gather, review and analyze documents and evidence; summarize for attorney; identify key witnesses and conduct investigations as needed.
• Draft pleadings, motions, orders, discovery requests/responses, memoranda of law, contracts and related legal documents; maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Legal research

Pleadings drafting

Time management

Record keeping

Communication

Education

Associate's Degree or Paralegal Certification

Tools

ProLaw

Job description

Position Summary

Assist an assigned attorney or attorneys in performing substantive civil administrative and criminal legal work from time of inception through resolution and perform a variety of paralegal duties in specific areas of law.

Essential And Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Provide staff assistance to an assigned attorney or attorneys; assist in preparation for advisory meetings, hearings, court appearances, legislative sessions and training sessions.
• Perform legal research; gather, review and analyze documents, depositions and evidence; summarize in writing and evaluate as to legal impact; determine importance of witnesses, conduct investigations and summarize information for presentation to attorney.
• Compose pleadings, motions, orders, requests for discovery, responses, questions for depositions, memoranda of law, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements and other related legal documents; maintain confidentiality of work performed.
• Participate in meetings with attorneys and clients, conduct interviews of clients, witnesses and others relevant to lawsuits; maintain accurate and complete records of time spent on client matters.
• Set up and maintain calendar with court deadlines, depositions and a variety of legal meetings; keep assigned attorney informed of appointments, hearings and position on court dockets.
• Maintain contact with other departments, outside agencies and court regarding facts and legal issues of cases and documents needed; write letters to opposing counsel, clients, witnesses and others.
• Locate, obtain, prepare and organize exhibits for pleadings, briefs, responses, arbitrations, mediations, hearings and trials.
• Review legal documents, contracts, leases and property records to ensure legal compliance.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Associate's Degree or a Certification in Paralegal Studies; and Three (3) years of experience as a paralegal working under the supervision of a licensed attorney or judge. Pro Law or experience with a case management system is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Working Conditions

Environmental

Office environment; occasional courtroom environment.

Physical

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time.