Job Description

Posting number: POSTING

Department: LAW

Job classification: PARALEGAL ASSISTANT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal

Summary

The Paralegal Assistant is responsible for performing a variety of tasks that, while not requiring the skills of an attorney, nevertheless entails the application of limited legal procedures. The Paralegal provides assistance in areas of research, compiling and analyzing information, case preparation, presentation of cases in court or administrative hearings. Depending upon the department involved, the incumbent's specific duties may vary within the broad framework of paralegal skills. Work is performed under general supervision and in accordance with established procedures. Work assignments are received through conferences and in writing. Supervision may be exercised over clerical personnel assigned.

Examples of duties

Researches statutory and case law, administrative rules, regulations and policies to determine applicability;

• compiles and analyzes information gathered and makes recommendations relative to actions to be taken;

Assists in the preparation of legal briefs, affidavits, memorandum and other documents for use and presentation in a court of law or in an administrative hearing;

• assembles exhibits, legal documents etc., and collects any additional information which is needed;
• serves papers and assists in presentation of case;

Follows through on court or administrative decisions to ensure they are implemented;

• assists in the interpretation of court and administrative decisions;

Compiles, verifies and analyzes data and pertinent information in relation to matters under discussion;

Reviews a variety of legal documents for completeness and accuracy;

Performs investigative work;

Conducts interviews and answers correspondence;

• takes complaints, determines status of cases and responds to inquiries;

Maintains statistical data and prepares reports for presentation to court or hearings;

Acts as a liaison between assigned department, outside agencies and general public;

Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

(A) Juris Doctorate from a Law School of recognized standing;

or,

(B) A registered student in a Law School of recognized standing and completion of one year of schooling in Law School (verification must be presented at time of filing application);

or,

(C) Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (any major) PLUS a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies or Legal Assistant Program;

or,

(D) Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (any major) and three years of full-time experience in work involving legal research;

or,

(E) Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Paralegal Studies or Legal Assistant Program and three years' experience of full-time experience in work involving legal research;

or,

(F) Associate's degree from an accredited college or university (any major) PLUS a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies or Legal Assistant Program and two years of full-time experience in work involving legal research;

Unacceptable Education and Work Experience

Legal Secretarial, Lawyers Assistant or any work experience involving legal secretarial work.

Note: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

Supplemental information

Good knowledge of legal research procedures and resources;

Good knowledge of legal terminology, documents and forms;

Working knowledge of court and administrative hearing procedures;

Ability to interpret statutory and administrative law, regulations and court decisions;

Ability to set forth positions clearly and concisely in oral and written form;

Ability to prepare effective correspondence;

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with State and local officials, departmental staff, clients and their representatives and the general public;

Ability to work without direct supervision;

Initiative; good judgment;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.