Legal Analyst

City of Kent, Washington•Cocoa, FL

2d•$7,631 - $9,275•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Kent is seeking an experienced and exceptional paraprofessional with advanced technical and legal skills to join a dynamic team in a fast-paced office. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners, and visitors by working on legal issues impacting the environment, safety, economic vitality, and government accountability. The position provides excellent work-life balance, competitive pay, a sound retirement system (pension plan), and excellent medical benefits. This is a full-time, benefited, non-represented position. The selection process will include a written exam and a panel interview. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis as applications are received.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of college-level coursework in paralegal/legal assistant education/training OR completion of a formal paralegal or legal secretary education/training program.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible paralegal experience.
Advanced technical and legal skills.
Ability to perform complex and substantive paraprofessional legal work.
Ability to perform research, review and comprehend legal precedent, synthesize research results, and convey them orally and in writing.
Ability to independently draft original documents.
Ability to apply Washington’s Public Records Act.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personnel and labor issues.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Power Point.
Proficiency in Adobe.
Electronic legal research, analysis, organization, and evaluation skills.
Extensive writing skills, including preparation and drafting of legal memoranda, opinions, legal documents, briefs, findings of fact and conclusions of law, and legal correspondence.
Advanced writing skills using correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills used in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
Ability to work in a team environment and take initiative.
Ability to maintain voluminous complex files and records in an organized fashion and implement electronic filing processes.
Advanced document preparation using the Microsoft suite of programs.
Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain documents such as rules, laws, regulations, and policy manuals.
Ability to speak and effectively present information and respond to questions.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Ability to effectively plan and organize work to meet schedules, timelines, and set priorities.
Ability to respond to a diverse assortment of inquiries.
Ability to complete work with many interruptions.
Ability to coordinate projects with multiple departments, outside agencies, and residents.
Ability to exemplify personal and professional etiquette.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships.
Ability to provide excellent customer service in a timely and pleasant manner.
Ability to work confidentially and with discretion.
Ability to make decisions within set parameters and take responsibility for such decisions.
Notary Public License or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Completion of a position-relevant background check.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal certification preferred.
Multilingual desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform complex and substantive paraprofessional legal work under the direction of the Deputy City Attorney and in support of the Senior Legal Analyst.
Conduct legal research, write legal memoranda, review and prepare legal documents related to court cases, public records, contracts, and other legal matters.
Serve as a liaison between attorneys and the public, outside attorneys, and other City departments.
Respond to resident inquiries regarding legal and court procedures.
Prepare draft legal opinions for attorney review.
Independently draft original legal documents, including contracts, letters, memoranda, and legal opinions.
Research and prepare documents such as ordinances, resolutions, and committee/council motions, and prepare supporting documents or presentations.
Prepare legal documents for administrative and court proceedings, including notices, affidavits, declarations, subpoenas, answers, motions, and orders.
Assist in the preparation of appellate level motions and briefs.
File legal documents with courts and administrative boards and commissions, ensuring compliance with rules and deadlines.
Apply Washington’s Public Records Act, review and prepare records in response to requests, apply exemptions, and prepare necessary documentation.
Assist other departments in complying with the Public Records Act and develop/monitor the department’s records retention schedule.
Assist with highly sensitive personnel and labor issues, maintaining strict confidentiality.
Monitor bankruptcies where the City is a creditor and prepare Proof of Claims.
Maintain an accurate and organized filing system for civil division files.
Process incoming and outgoing mail, and arrange for personal service of process and documents.
Answer telephones, assist callers and attorneys, and screen information.
Edit and proofread legal documents and correspondence for accuracy in grammar, spelling, punctuation, legal terminology, and formatting.
Maintain the law library, updating books and legal resources.
Order and receive office supplies and multimedia requests.
Process timesheets, payroll, and invoices.
Organize and coordinate office activities to ensure efficient workflow and meet deadlines.
Cross-train with other department staff and provide work direction and training to new employees and temporary staff.
Monitor Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits and WSBA license renewals for attorneys, as assigned.
Actively support and act in accordance with the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.
Fill in for and assist other office personnel as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.