Senior Legal Assistant

Under limited supervision, prepares pleadings, organizes files, gather exhibits and other documents necessary to prepare attorneys for trial; performs legal research to obtain information from other courts, municipalities and/or governmental agencies which affect the City; and performs other related duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Which are not in any hierarchical order)

1. Provides administrative support to lawyers to enhance office effectiveness; provides support and attends trial and/or transactional meetings as requested.

2. Interviews witnesses and staff to complete draft contracts or response to discoveries.

3. Prepares pleadings in response to discovery from other counsel; prepares memos to other City Departments to obtain documents to respond to requests and telephone calls to departments to follow up on same; organizes files and exhibits in preparation for trial.

4. Researches on Westlaw and the Internet for cases, bills passed by the Legislature that affect government; obtains copies of Codes of other municipalities; obtains copies of articles and other documents which has an impact on the City.

5. Prepares agreements and resolutions retaining outside counsel to represent the City in various matters.

6. Reviews invoices from outside counsel to make sure they are following Retention Agreement.

7. Reviews court records and court files to obtain information for use in pending lawsuits filed against the City.

8. Maintains litigation list of cases served on the City and monitors until response filed with the Court.

9. Organizes documents and prepare notebooks for attorneys and various other duties as requested by City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney

10. Provides answers to basic legal questions from other City Departments and provides copies of Statutes and Code relating to same; files supplements and maintains library.

11. Assists in the training of Legal Secretary and Legal Assistant.

12. Assists in the development of department policies and procedures.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary

Pay Grade 65

$34.40 Hourly

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Qualifications

Associates degree (education will be verified using the "Education Requirements" listed below) and five (5) years of progressively responsible legal office experience in the research, review and preparation of legal documents and pleadings is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

A current and valid Florida driver's license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days from date of employment.

Education Requirements: To be considered valid (or verified) for position qualification purposes, and consistent with City Hiring Policy 4-5, a High School, GED or equivalent diploma, and all higher education degrees or certifications must have been issued by:

a) a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or

b) an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or

c) an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or

d) an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.

International degrees will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy qualification requirements.

Additional Details

The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, structured oral interview or other assessment method.

State of Emergency: When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration by the Mayor that a state of emergency exists, all employees will be deemed critical by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work. Employees deemed critical by the City but not needed for the initial preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail may be directed not to report to work, and given paid administrative leave or they may be reassigned to another location that best meet the needs of the City.

How To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button at the end of the job posting. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.

The City of West Palm Beach is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City values the service of veterans to our country, supports recruitment of veterans and veterans' preference will be given in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes for those who met the minimum requirements of the position. Background investigation, physical, and drug and alcohol screening is required as condition of employment.

Currency

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