Paralegal – Land Use and Development

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); Hybrid; USD 54,121 - 59,533; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hampton is seeking a Paralegal to support land use and development functions and assist staff in responding to public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. In-person role with telework up to two days per week.

Minimum education includes an associate’s degree or two years of college; ABA-accredited paralegal program preferred but not required. Background check required; salary range $54,121 to $59,533 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate’s degree or two years of college education with preference for prelaw, paralegal, legal studies, real estate or related field.
• ABA-accredited paralegal program preferred but not required; combination of education and work experience may satisfy minimums.

Responsibilities

• Support land use and development functions.
• Assist staff in responding to public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• Collaborate with City Attorney’s Office and Development & Finance team to process requests and updates.

Skills

Communication

Records management

Education

Associate degree

ABA-accredited paralegal program (preferred)

Job description

The Hampton City Attorney’s Office is recruiting a new Paralegal. This position will support land use and development functions and assist staff in responding to public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

The position requires an associate’s degree or specialized training equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years’ college education, with a preference for prelaw, paralegal or legal studies, real estate, or other relevant course of study. Completion of a paralegal program accredited by the American Bar Association is also preferred, but not required. A combination of qualifying education and professional work experience in the legal field may be considered in satisfaction of the minimum education requirements identified above. The anticipated hiring range is $54,121 to $59,533, depending upon relevant experience.

This is an in-person position. Current policy permits telework up to two days per week as schedule and work assignments allow. The selected candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check.

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and all departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the city. The City Attorney’s Office is composed of twelve attorneys, six paralegals, and two administrative assistants, organized into two teams – Litigation and Development & Finance (D&F). The position is part of the D&F Team. The City Attorney’s Office offers a collaborative, congenial work environment, through which it provides the highest quality of professional and ethical legal counsel and advocacy. Respect, support, and achievement recognition are valued. Productivity and hard work are expected, coupled with a reasonable work-life balance that recognizes the importance of personal care and stress reduction through ample time to spend with family, friends and pets, and to enjoy personal interests.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires Associate’s degree or specialized training equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years’ college education. Degree or training in prelaw, paralegal or legal studies, real estate, or other relevant course of study is preferred.
• Certification from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited paralegal program is preferred but not required.
• A combination of qualifying education and professional work experience in the legal field may be considered in satisfaction of the minimum education requirements identified above.

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to an offer of promotion or employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• Requires effective communication with interna land external customers.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.