Job Description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting applications for a Paralegal. The employee performs professional management work to assist the Staff Attorney in the research and preparation of legal correspondence, legal documents, City ordinances, and other legal work applicable to municipal government. Will coordinate meetings and communications with City administration and outside legal firms. The employee in this class performs work involving a variety of administrative and legal functions in support of the legal office. Employees in this class have the responsibility of independent action and exercising judgment based on knowledge acquired through training and experience. Will work cooperatively with City staff and outside legal counsel on work projects often complex in nature. Work is performed under the direction of the Staff Attorney.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Draft and prepare legal briefs, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and deeds for review by the City Attorney;
• Conduct title searches and prepare initial draft of contracts, quitclaim deeds, land lease agreements, releases, and other real estate transaction documents;
• Prepare UCC financing statements, closing instruction letters closing documents and binders, review title policies, and work with title companies regarding any policy issues;
• Draft articles of incorporation, by-laws, and other documents to form corporations, boards, and committees;
• Assist in preparation for trial through investigation, schedule discovery, exhibit preparation, depositions, and interrogatories.
• Conduct legal research involving the reading, analysis and application of statutes and court decisions as they may apply to municipal operations;
• Attend meeting of the City Commission or other boards and committees as assigned by the City Attorney;
• Process beer license applications and serve as staff liaison for the Beer Board;
• Works cooperatively with other City of Johnson City staff as well as other municipalities;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong knowledge of legal principals, practices and procedures; strong knowledge of organization; strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; a strong proficiency in computer skills; ability to work effectively with city staff and community members, and elected officials using tact and diplomacy; self-motivated, ability to communicate orally and in writing. Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation. Manual dexterity to work effectively on a computer keyboard.

Acceptable Experience and Training: High School diploma required; college degree preferred. Certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal, or three to five years of experience as a paralegal is highly preferred. Legal experience in a municipal setting is a plus. Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

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