Paralegal I/II

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake Virginia seeks experienced paralegals to join the City Attorney’s Office in a dynamic government-law setting. The role emphasizes transactional work in real estate and land use, with opportunities to handle complex discovery, document management, and trial support.

Paralegal I or II positions offer competitive starting salaries, with growth based on qualifications and experience. A valid driver’s license and driving standard compliance are required, and duties may include

Qualifications

• Paralegal I requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate’s degree in law or a closely related field.
• Paralegal II requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in law or a closely related field.
• Paralegal I requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
• Paralegal II requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience in litigation, real estate, transactional, or municipal law setting.

Responsibilities

• Performs advanced legal research and analysis for complex criminal and civil cases to support attorney case preparation and strategy.
• Reviews, summarizes, and organizes large volumes of electronic and hard copy records, including managing e-discovery processes.
• Assists in preparation and responding to discovery requests and manages the overall discovery process.
• Assists with preparation of exhibits, witness materials, and trial notebook; helps with trial logistics.

Skills

Legal research

E-discovery

Trial prep

Real estate

Education

Paralegal I: associate's degree or equivalent

Paralegal II: bachelor's degree

Job description

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

O - Occasional

Pay Grade

GE08

Pay Basis

Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

Paralegal I: $50,607 – $67,054 Paralegal II: $55,854 – $74,007

Starting salary depends on qualifications and experience.

Job Description

The City Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced transactional paralegal with experience in real estate or land use/development to join a diverse local government law practice in a collegial environment for a dynamic, growing city.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs advanced legal research and analysis for complex criminal and civil cases to support attorney case preparation and strategy.
• Reviews, summarizes, and organizes large volumes of electronic and hard copy records, including managing e-discovery processes.
• Assists in preparation and responding to discovery requests (including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission), prepares notices of deposition and manages the overall discovery process.
• Assists with the preparation of exhibits, witness materials, and trial notebook; helps with the logistics of trial and potentially provides support during the trial.
• Conducts in-depth legal research and drafts memoranda, pleadings, notice of hearings, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Manages case files and tracks deadlines, court schedules, and required filings.
• Supports attorneys in real estate and land use matters, including preparing deeds, easements, right-of-way agreements, and title research.
• Assists in the preparation of certificates of take and petitions for condemnation.
• Reviews and responds to FOIA requests in compliance with Virginia law and City policies.
• Assists in the review and preparation of contracts and procurement-related documents for the City.
• Supports and collaborates with various city departments.
• Coordinates with courts and outside agencies to facilitate legal processes.
• Summarizes depositions, witness statements, and other key documents.
• Performs notary services and affidavits as needed.
• Provides support for administrative hearings and City Council matters.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and ensures compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT :

Paralegal I: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate’s degree in law or a closely related field.

Paralegal II: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in law or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT :

Paralegal I: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

Paralegal II: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standard, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience in progressively responsible paralegal experience in litigation, real estate, transactional, or municipal law setting.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards .

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with local government, civil litigation, land use, real estate, and/or title work is preferred.

Job Open Date

09/28/2026

Job Close Date

10/30/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crawling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing

Balancing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Office equipment to include computer, printer, Xerox and fax.

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust S = Seasonally

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration S = Seasonally

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors S = Seasonally

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity N = Never

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

Yes, other support staff team members.

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No