Paralegal I

Nigel Wright Consultancy Ltd (UK); North Port (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of North Port, FL is seeking an advanced paraprofessional paralegal to assist the City Attorney’s Office with civil and transactional matters. The role emphasizes independent judgment, professional interactions with city officials, and strong research and drafting skills.

Requirements include graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program or a certified paralegal designation, plus five years of professional paralegal experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program with five years of professional paralegal experience.
• Certified paralegal designation with five years of professional paralegal experience required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare initial review, drafting, analysis, and tracking on cases, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, memorandums, and minor civil pleadings.
• Assist City Attorney’s Office with planning and management of assigned matters.
• Coordinate assignments and work with other City departments to gather case related information and documents.
• Research, interpret and execute City regulations, procedures, policies, and attorney direction with efficiency.
• Perform complex research to identify issues and review documents for potential concerns.
• Assist attorney at public meetings and proceedings, including compiling exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and drafting related documents.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.

Skills

Legal research

Microsoft Office

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Education

ABA-approved paralegal program

Certified paralegal designation

Job description

Under the general direction of the Deputy City Attorney, this is an advanced paraprofessional position responsible for performing specifically delegated substantive legal work on a variety of civil law matters, transactional work, and legal issues for which the City Attorney’s Office is responsible. Work is performed with minimal supervision, direction provided is executed with initiative and independent judgment. This position relies on experience and the ability to work within a framework while still exercising independent judgment and the application of advanced concepts, techniques, and compliance with processes. The position requires a high degree of professionalism in interactions with City management and elected officials.

• Prepares comprehensive initial review, drafting, analysis, and tracking on assigned cases or projects, including those involving complex legal issues and documents for attorney review; including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, memorandums, and minor civil pleadings.
• Assist City Attorney’s Office with planning and management of assigned matters.
• Coordinates assignments and works with other City departments to gather case related information and documents.
• Research, interpret and execute City regulations, procedures, policies, and attorney direction in an efficient and concise manner, verbally and in writing.
• Performs complex research to identify issues that may apply to facts presented and reviews complex documents to identify areas of potential concern.
• Prepares for and assists attorney at public meetings and judicial or administrative proceedings including City Commission meetings, civil hearings, and quasi-judicial proceedings; including compiling exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and drafting related documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office email, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
• Operate necessary equipment, including computer, calculator, copier, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to convey clearly and concisely verbal, nonverbal and written information.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the area of law and judicial procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of legal terminology, and the application of such to various forms of legal documentation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices applied in researching legal issues, and the various sources of available information.
• Comprehensive understanding of working relationships between internal and external customers, vendors, outside agencies and the public.
• Proficient at maintaining a high degree of professionalism in interactions with department directors, elected officials and court personnel.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an American Bar Association approved paralegal/legal assistant education program supplemented by five (5) years of professional paralegal experience; or certified paralegal designation supplemented by five (5) years of professional paralegal experience required.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Emergency Response Responsibility

Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.

Veterans Preference Statement

The City of North Port, FL is an Aff