Paralegal 1 at the City of Olympia

• Significant experience and skill in proofreading and typing
• Significant experience and skill in providing administrative support for a law firm, including filing and organizing cases
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in administrative support for a city or county law office in both its civil and criminal divisions

• Submit a resume and a cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (above).
• This is a continuous recruitment.  In order to be considered for the first round of interviews submit your application by 5 PM August 10, 2015.
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

1. Provide complex technical and administrative support to the Civil and Criminal sections of the Legal Department.
2. Assemble court documents and exhibits in accordance with Court and legal standards and arrange for filing and serving of legal documents.
3. Draft, prepare, and/or proofread a variety of legal documents, including pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and correspondence.
4. Provide comprehensive litigation support, including response to discovery, filing, and coordination with courts and boards.
5. Research and furnish copies of City, State, and Federal statutes and regulations as required.
6. Research, analyze, and prepare recommendations, conclusions, or legal memoranda on assigned projects.
7. Provide customer service on the telephone or in-person.  This position is the primary support person in the civil section for this function.
8. Assist attorneys in meeting deadlines, particularly with respect to litigation.
9. Maintain legal records, files, and filing systems of all kinds and types.
10. Plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule work; manage time effectively; work well under pressure; respond with flexibility to rapidly changing priorities.
11. Contact and coordinate with administration.
12. Independently prepare complex legal documents and correspondence.
13. Efficiently work from verbal and written instructions.
14. Use sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions on a variety of issues.
15. Maintain the strictest confidentiality of legal and sensitive issues.
16. Present a positive professional image to the general public and other City Departments and provide customer service in a manner consistent with the City’s philosophy.
17. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential.

1. Knowledge of local government law and familiarity with Washington criminal code.
2. Knowledge of Washington State Municipal, District, Superior and Appeals Court rules and procedures.
3. Knowledge of Land Use Petition Act, Environmental Hearings Board and Growth Management Hearings Board procedures.
4. Knowledge of public records laws and retention requirements.
5. Knowledge of criminal and civil law functions of the legal office.
6. Know computerized legal research techniques.
7. Know proofreading, correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, word usage, and basic math.
8. Know computerized systems, software, and general legal office practices.
9. Must be detail oriented.

Experience/Education:

1. Three years legal office experience at a level that provides sufficient training and knowledge to perform  administrative and technical duties required; at least one year experience in a local government law office with experience in both civil and criminal division support desirable; at least one year college-level course work in legal procedures  preferred.
2. Graduation from a two-year legal support program from an accredited college may substitute for two years of legal office experience.

Special Requirements:

1. Washington State Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.
2. Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required.

Contacts:

1. The Paralegal I has daily contact with and is easily accessible to department personnel, City staff, outside attorneys and the general public for the purpose of responding to public comments, questions, complaints and/or requests for public disclosure and/or information.

Supervision:

1. This job is not a supervisory position.

Accountability:

1. The Paralegal I is accountable for the accurate, efficient and effective daily completion of the assigned work, complex legal administrative functions, and staff in a manner that effectively supports the provision of legal services to the City, the public, and staff.

Working Conditions:

1. Work is performed in two different office environments where frequent interruptions are often present.
2. Some assignments require sitting for extended periods of time.
3. Some assignments require moving between offices/buildings.
4. Work is often performed under the stress associated with the need to meet rigid deadlines and productivity requirements.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.