Paralegal I

$27.80 - $50.59 Hourly

Note: The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

Note: Applications/resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to applications/resumes received by September 13, 2024.

Important Application Information: Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

The Municipal Counselor’s Office advises and represents the public officials and employees at the heart of those investments. This position serves at the pleasure of the Municipal Counselor and, based upon the needs of the Office, may be assigned to another division. 

JOB SUMMARY

This position is in the Litigation Division of the Office of the Municipal Counselor within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the supervision of the Law Office Administrator or a designee. The Paralegal I provides legal assistance to the staff attorneys. Essential job functions include: providing assistance in all aspects of litigation and legal representation, to include: legal research, document preparation and organization, development of trial notebooks, attend depositions and court/administrative hearings as needed. In addition, a Paralegal I in the Office of the Municipal Counselor will be tasked with performing a large variety of other legal work such as preparation of responses to document discovery requests, drafting of pleadings and legal memoranda under the supervision of and direction of a staff attorney. The position requires a working knowledge of legal process, conflicts of law, civil procedure, legal defenses, and the hierarchy and source of law. Paralegals may be required to provide all levels of administrative support to staff attorneys. 

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Possession of an associate degree from an ABA approved Legal Assistant Program or a Legal Assistant Certification. Minimum of two (2) years of law office experience. Knowledge of and ability to use a computerized legal research tool such as Westlaw. Knowledge of and ability to use legal reference sources and commonly used legal research procedures and methods to locate, analyze and prepare reports on statutes, court decisions, legal opinions, and other legal documents. Skill in assessing and organizing a wide variety of information. Skill in Windows Office applications and the OSCN system. Skill in drafting and revising legal and/or other documents on a personal computer. Skill using tact, diplomacy, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective, productive, and congenial working relationships with municipal officials, municipal employees, outside agencies, and individuals. Willingness to assume responsibility for accuracy of work performed.

COMPETENCIES

Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission. Judgment: (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial management/budgeting principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible and in accordance with policies, procedures, processes, rules, regulations, and laws; (7) makes business decisions that drive positive, fiscally responsible performance; (8) manages ambiguity, business insight, financial acumen, makes decisions using data and insight that achieves the best outcome for the department and City. Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed. Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind. Strategic Thinking: (1) Thinks conceptually, imaginatively, and systematically; (2) envisions the future; (3) defines the vision, direction, and goals; (4) develops a road map for achievement; (5) anticipates change and plans for it; (6) considers long-term value and consequences; (7) influences others to achieve results; (8) understands where the organization is headed; knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work; (9) aligns business strategies to long-term success of the City; (10) sets the vision, direction and compelling course of action; (11) operates effectively within the systems, programs, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the organization; (12) knows industry and stays ahead of best practices; (13) understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; (14) identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials. Commitment to Continuous Improvement: (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results. Agility: (1) Values collaboration, communication, and feedback and is flexible and open to new ideas; (2) learns rapidly and transforms learning into action; (3) examines processes and practices to perform work most effectively; (4) demonstrates courage and willingness to take calculated risks; (5) assesses readiness; proposes new approaches, methods, and technologies plans, implements, and evaluates change in a transparent, positive, and thoughtful manner; (6) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (7) rapidly adapts to change and leads others through change, while producing tangible results and identifying new opportunities.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Primarily indoors in a climate-controlled environment, subject to sitting, standing, walking, or using a telephone for extended periods of time. Subject to constant and loud noises caused by objects such as a telephone, office machines, etc. Subject to continuous exposure of light and glare from objects such as a computer monitor.

Note: Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Finger and manual dexterity enough to operate a personal computer keyboard. Near vision enough to read and draft written communications or reports, both manually and machine generated. Speech enough to communicate clearly and distinctly. Hearing enough to communicate in person and by phone.

OTHER DETAILS

Attachments: Applicants may upload only two attachments. Applicants may choose to combine documents into one file for upload.

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment. If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants. If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test. If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test. If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination. 

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