Paralegal

Description

Position Purpose/Summary

Responsible for supporting litigation attorneys in their handling of cases in suit. Assists in the drafting and preparation of contracts, opinions, and other legal documents for the Department of Law. Work is performed under the supervision of the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and Chief of Litigation. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

Drafts various discovery documents and prepares responses from the City to the plaintiff. Analyzes returned documents and maintains litigation case files.
Prepares various draft motions, notices, releases, authorizations, answers and other documents that need to be filed in court.
Coordinates depositions, pre-deposition, pre-trial consolations and fact finding meetings for City Attorneys.
Maintains schedules for attorneys and coordinates appearances in City cases. Manages document creation and filing for Attorneys.
Coordinates and/or process subpoenas for records and attendance of employees at court proceedings.
Provides notary service for various City departments. Supports all Attorneys as needed on non-litigation matters.
Assists in the drafting and preparation of contracts, opinions, and other legal documents for the Law Department as assigned.
Supports all Attorneys as needed on non-litigation matters.
Tracks, responds to and maintains a log of public records requests.
Makes preliminary determination as to the most likely municipal records custodian, communicating with records custodians, arranging for the production of such records to the Law Department, makes preliminary review of such records as to appropriate exemptions to the public records law which may be applicable.
Coordinates the production of the response to any such request by drafting correspondence, redacting, copying, scanning and producing the response in coordination with Law Department staff and municipal departments in a timely fashion, in compliance with legal mandates.
Tracks and maintains a log of contracts being drafted and completed.
Assists legal staff in performing legal research and organizing files.
Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of the Massachusetts legal process and City of Springfield General Ordinances.
Working knowledge of federal and Massachusetts general laws, rules of civil procedure, rules of court and rules of appellate procedure.
Working knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and investigation.
Ability to analyze and assist in the preparation of legal documents and instruments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, and the general public.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Paralegal certificate preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years of prior paralegal, legal secretary, administrative or clerical work.