Paralegal – Land Use and Development

Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 54,121 - 59,533; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sentara Health Plans

Delta Dental Insurance

Anthem Vision coverage

Virginia 529

Job summary

The Hampton City Attorney’s Office is recruiting 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. The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree or two years of college, with a preference for prelaw, paralegal or legal studies.

An ABA-accredited paralegal program is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s degree or specialized training equivalent to two years of college education.
• ABA-accredited paralegal program is preferred but not required.
• Combination of qualifying education and professional work experience in the legal field may satisfy minimum education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support land use and development functions.
• Assist staff in responding to public records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Skills

Land use knowledge

FOIA/public records familiarity

Education

Associate degree or 2 years of college

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.

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full‑time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts
• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
  • Maternity Leave
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Care for Sick Parent Leave
  • Birthday Leave
  • Personal day (available every quarter)

The Eleven Paid Holidays Each Year Include

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.
• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit Mission Square.
• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre‑tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see the Guidance Resources Website.