Senior Legal Assistant

The City of Fort Lauderdale employees possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

This is specialized secretarial and some clerical work of more than average difficulty for attorneys associated with the Office of the City Attorney. An employee in this class is responsible for the performance of confidential and varied secretarial duties and for public contact work. Work requires the application of knowledge of legal methods, requirements and terminology in meeting a variety of work problems. Limited independence of action is exercised in the disposition of routine work matters, giving information, receiving inquiries and complaints, and other public contact work. Detailed instructions are received from supervisor when involving complex and legal terminology.

This is a classified position covered by the Personnel Rules.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Proofreads typed documents; files and maintains documents and other basic data needed by the attorneys in the conduct of official business.
• Receives and responds to inquiries received either in person or via telephone; explains standard programs and relationships and performs other public contact work as required.
• Types and edits reports, ordinances, resolutions, drafts, legal pleadings, legal briefs, agreements, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Schedules appointments, meetings and court dates for legal staff.
• Types and routes routine replies to correspondence; as needed, sorts and distributes mail.
• Assists legal staff with Commission Agenda item preparation and routing of agreements and contracts.
• Logs ordinances and resolutions approved at Commission Meetings. Edits and compares supplement proofs containing ordinances and resolutions received from Municode to the existing code language to ensure accuracy.

SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS

Senior Legal Assistant – Litigation

• Provide administrative support to litigation attorneys, which includes maintaining and organizing files, photocopy, submit invoices for payment, bill paying and uploading receipts.
• Assist attorneys with managing litigation cases from inception to resolution.
• Manages calendars for busy office; assembles documents and exhibits needed in preparing cases for depositions, mediation, and trial; maintains file dockets and in-house litigation report on ongoing litigation cases.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings, depositions, and court appearances.
• Calculate and calendar court deadlines.
• Draft, proofread, and finalize correspondence, legal pleadings, legal briefs, agreements, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Prepare and e-file pleadings and other legal documents with state and federal courts; keep current with changes in court rules and filing procedures.
• Types and routes routine replies to correspondence; as needed, sorts and distributes mail.
• Performs related work as required.

• High School Diploma or possess a G.E.D. from a recognized issuing agency.
• Three (3) or more years of experience performing legal administrative work.

PREFERENCES:

• Associate's degree or higher-level degree in a related field.
• Certified Paralegal (CP), Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), or Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP).
• Experience performing administrative legal work in areas related to specialized area of assignment.
• Previous experience working for local, state or federal government.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Excel.
• Be able to type at least 40 words per minute.
• If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form (J-204)to the online application.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form(J-204)to the online application.

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.