Paralegal I

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Paralegal I is responsible for performing a variety of activities, including preparing legal documents, legal filings, and data review and management. This position is responsible for communication with defendants and residents about real property issues involving structural blight and general support work to the legal team’s attorneys and lead paralegal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Manage caseload of properties as directed by managing attorneys and managing paralegal

· Communicate with defendants regarding litigation and abatement contracts

· Draft and file various litigation documents and agreements with Third Judicial Circuit Court via M-file

· Draft and electronically record relevant title documents with Wayne County Register of Deeds

· Complete assignments as directed by the legal department managing staff

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities)

· High school diploma required. College degree preferred

· One-year paralegal experience or one or more years of real estate related experience (mortgages, title examination, landlord-tenant law, real estate closings, probate, bankruptcy, etc.)

· Thorough knowledge of legal principles and practices, legal research techniques, and real property terminology

· Strong ability to manage high volumes of cases, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

· Detail oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills

· Excellent critical thinking skills

· Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence

· Ability to work well in a fast-paced and demanding environment

· Skilled at working among multiple teams and managing priorities

· Proficient in MS Office Suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook). Experience with Salesforce, preferred.

· Must be a mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit

· Detroit residency, preferred

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

· Associates degree in paralegal studies, Paralegal certification from an American Bar Association approved certificate program or bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in prior employment

· Knowledge of title documents, chains of title, mortgages, tax foreclosure, and real property related subjects and databases, including register of deeds, TLO, LexisNexis, Probate Court records, etc.