Paralegal

City of Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Milwaukee seeks a Paralegal to support litigation and other legal matters, including drafting documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, and trial preparation. The role emphasizes thorough research, reviewing case files, and coordinating with attorneys on court filings.

Ideal candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of paralegal experience, with familiarity in legal research tools and e-filing programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, political science, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of experience as a paralegal in a legal office setting performing duties closely related to this position.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered; however, two years of paralegal experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze case files and City data systems to research and assemble factual backgrounds supporting affirmative litigation.
• Draft summonses and complaints, research parties for service of process, prepare exhibits, and issue subpoenas.
• Conduct legal research and summarize legal issues and defenses.
• Prepare affidavits, pleadings, motions and related correspondence and memoranda.
• Prepare confidential materials, proposals, reports and contact information.
• Draft discovery responses and requests; obtain, review, index, and produce confidential documents.
• Assist attorneys in case preparation for Federal and State court trials.
• Create and maintain confidential filing systems and spreadsheets; track changes in the legal framework.
• Provide prompt, courteous responses to walk-in customers and coordinate with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Skills

Legal research

Document drafting

Interviewing clients

Case preparation

Microsoft Office

E-filing (court)

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, political science, business administration

Tools

Laredo

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Legal Files

Accela LMS

Job description

The Paralegal performs a variety of administrative duties and research pertaining to litigation and other substantive legal matters, including drafting and reviewing documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing for trial.

Essential Functions

Hearings and Case Files

• Analyze case files and City data systems to research and assemble factual backgrounds supporting affirmative litigation.
• Assist with drafting summonses and complaints, conducting research to identify appropriate parties for service of process, and preparing exhibits and issuing subpoenas.
• Conduct legal research, including analysis of relevant court decisions, legislative documents and public records.
• Summarize legal issues and defenses.
• Investigate, collect and organize facts in connection with hearing preparation and litigation.
• Prepare drafts of affidavits, pleadings, motions and related correspondence and memoranda.
• Prepare confidential materials, proposals, reports and contact information.
• Draft discovery responses and requests.
• Obtain, review, index, and produce confidential documents.
• Assist attorneys in case preparation for and at Federal and State court trials.
• Acquire and summarize a variety of confidential and non-confidential records (including depositions).
• Create and maintain confidential filing systems (both electronically and physically) and spreadsheets relative to litigation activity.

Records, Reports and Materials

• Maintain and develop annual reports for the Comptroller, Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Budget Office, Common Council and leadership.
• Monitor legislative and administrative meetings and prepare summaries and reports.
• Obtain and analyze Department of Financial Institutions records.
• Organize and archive documents related to completed and ongoing cases.
• Track changes in the legal framework and provide timely updates on these changes.

Customer Service and Administrative

• Resolve inquiries and complaints by investigating the merits and preparing, collecting, and analyzing data.
• Provide prompt and courteous responses to walk-in customers, messages and correspondence.
• Schedule and attend meetings, and provide prompt, consistent communication with attorneys and supervisors.
• Act as a liaison to the Internal Affairs-Civil Litigation Division of the Milwaukee Police Department.
• Act as contact for defendants and witnesses.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, political science, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of experience as a paralegal in a legal office setting performing duties closely related to this position.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered however, the two years of paralegal experience is required and may not be substituted with education.

NOTICE:

Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Paralegal certification from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program.
• Familiarity with Laredo, LexisNexis or Westlaw, Map MKE, and other research platforms.
• Familiarity with Legal Files and Accela/Land Management System (LMS)
• Familiarity with Municipal Court procedures and records.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

• Knowledge of basic legal principles, legal research methodology, and principles of legal analysis.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply the laws, rules, regulations, and procedures related to Municipal, State, and Federal courts.
• Ability to read and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and other compliance-related documents and laws.
• Ability to conduct legal research for transactions and litigation, including analysis of relevant court decisions, legislative documents and public records.
• Ability to summarize legal issues and defenses.
• Ability to access information sources such as statutes, ordinances, decisions, legal articles, and documents.
• Ability to effectively utilize job-related computer software programs, including the Microsoft Office Suite, court e-filing programs and data backup systems, such as E-Vault.
• Ability to engage in electronic discovery.

Communication, Interpersonal, and Customer Service

• Ability to prepare accurate and effective written communications, including reports, documents, and correspondence.
• Ability to verbally communicate complex legal issues and decisions clearly.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to coworkers, defendants, witnesses and members of the public.
• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to work with others diplomatically and professionally.

Judgment and Problem-Solving

• Ability to function independently.
• Ability to analyze and organize data and files.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure calmly and effectively.
• Ability to multitask, establish priorities, meet multiple deadlines, and adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect information in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

The current starting salary (Pay Range 2FN) is $62,070-$73,907 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $64,552-$76,863 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.