Paralegal - Litigation

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Boston Law Department seeks a Paralegal to support attorneys in litigation matters. Responsibilities include researching legal issues, drafting memoranda, preparing documents for hearings, and supporting discovery and trial preparation. The role emphasizes accuracy, strong communication, and the ability to adapt to changing departmental needs.

Boston residency is required. Hours are 35 per week under a non-union salary plan (MM2-4).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Studying toward a Juris Doctor degree is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Westlaw.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare documents and cases for specific court hearings.
• Research legal issues and apply findings to cases.
• Sort and analyze information collected.
• Update attorneys via reports and correspondence.
• Assist in drafting legal motions.
• Attend meetings with attorneys and support depositions, client meetings, and witness prep.
• Handle discovery requests and redact documents for production.
• Assist attorneys in trial preparation and attend trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Assist with witness preparation.
• Maintain positive relationships with the City, courts, and other parties.
• Handle walk-ins and telephone inquiries.
• Respond to requests for additional projects and adapt to changes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Judgment

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (pursuing a plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Westlaw

Job description

The City of Boston Law Department provides legal services to the Mayor, City Council, and City departments regarding their official capacities within City government. Our office has been in continuous existence for 180 years and under the sole authority of the Corporation Counsel for 125 years. The Corporation Counsel has supervisory authority over all City attorneys and legal affairs and is responsible for all litigation to which the City of Boston is a party.

Under the direction of the First Assistant Corporation Counsel for Litigation and Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel and Assistant Corporation Counsel, the Paralegal will research points of law, write legal memoranda, compile documents, file, and perform such other duties as assigned.

• Prepare documents and cases necessary for specific court hearings.
• Research legal issues and apply such research to the circumstances of various cases.
• Sort and analyze the information acquired.
• Update and support attorneys via reports and other correspondence specific to the issues and cases.
• Assist in drafting legal motions.
• Attend meetings with attorneys and assist in responding to any inquiry, including depositions, client meetings, and witness preparation.
• Handle discovery requests, including drafting and responding to discovery requests and reviewing and redacting documents for document production.
• Assist attorneys in trial preparation.
• Attend trials, court hearings, and depositions.
• Assist with witness preparation.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with the City, courts, and other parties as directed.
• Handle walk-ins and telephone inquiries.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to requests for assistance on additional projects.
• Be receptive to new ideas and respond to changing conditions and departmental needs.
• Open new cases when served. Close cases at attorneys' request.
• Prepare both physical and electronic files for the attorneys as requested for cases.
• Perform related work as required.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Studying toward a Juris Doctor degree is a plus.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Westlaw, which is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-4

Hours per week: 35